UNE CHASSE AU LÉOPARD

Thème.

It was in French Guiana in 1892. My friend Cazals had invited me to join him in a léopard hunt. We started at daybreak, and were accompanied by a small number of Chinese and natives who carried our weapons and provisions. We reached the hunting grounds a little before sunset, and hung our hammocks on trees near an open place in the forest. After a few hours of waiting we heard the approach of two

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animais. It is needless to say that we were a little excited. Soon we saw the glowing eyes of two félines shining in the darkness.

Both of ns shot at the same time, and when the smoke had disappeared, a Chinese cried out, " They are both dead." We prudently waited till morning, and we then saw that the two léopards had been killed on the spot.

A few minutes later one of our men came in bringing three cubs : the victory was complète.