Bomba raised his weapon, but he dropped it again when he saw that head more distinctly. At the same moment the newcomer raised his paw in a gesture that Bomba knew.
The boy thrust his revolver in his belt and bounded toward the great puma.
“Polulu!” Bomba cried, and clapped the great beast upon the flank, as a civilized boy might have fondled a pet dog. “You have come in time. You will get me my drink. Look!”
The puma rubbed his head against the boy, and they went together toward the fringe of trees.
When Polulu saw the other pumas at the pool his eyes gleamed viciously, his tail swished the bushes, and a growl started rumbling in his throat.
For gentle as Polulu was with the boy who had saved him when trapped by the tree, he was fierceness itself as far as his fellows were concerned. Because of this and his gigantic size and strength, he was respected and feared by all the other beasts of the jungle. He brooked no opposition, and swept every one who dared to dispute his rule remorselessly out of the way.
He had gathered that Bomba was thirsty but was afraid to go near the pool because of the foes that clustered there. Very well, Polulu would see to that! His friend should have his drink!
Bomba watched his companion with breathless interest and curiosity, as Polulu stalked majestically through the heavy brush and approached the other pumas on the edge of the pool.
They had stopped drinking, but still lingered in the pleasant spot. It was plain by their attitudes as they lounged among the soft wet ferns at the water’s edge that they were in no hurry to depart.
Polulu came steadily down toward them. As he approached, the other pumas sprang to their feet and gathered together at one side of the pool, as though to combine against a common enemy. Battle was in the air.