The puma had sprung clear over him and tumbled headlong into a heap of brush, where he began to flounder and make the air hideous with his cries. Frank was not sure whether he had given the beast a mortal wound or not. Nor did he try to find out or follow up the contest. He knew well enough what a hand to hand encounter with one of these monsters meant. He at once sprang out of the forest and started at full speed for the Steam Man. But what was his horror upon looking over his shoulder to see the lion coming after him. CHAPTER IV. THE TEMPLE IN THE WOODS. The sensation experienced by Frank Reade, Jr., at that moment, was a most sickening and horrible one. He knew that it would be easy for the puma to overtake him. To be overtaken meant death. But still he ran with terrific speed across the plain. The panther was close upon him, however. But, just as it began to look bad for Frank, a cry came from the Steam Man. Barney had been upon the watch. He had heard the shot in the woods, and knew at once that Frank was in trouble. He shouted to Pomp: “Come up quick, naygur. Bejabers, the masther’s in a heap av thruble. I jist heerd his rifle go aff yender in the woods.” ‪“Golly!” gasped Pomp, as he dropped his frying pan. “What’s dat yo’ say, I’ish?” Barney seized the throttle rein and started the Steam Man toward the woods. It was just at the moment when Frank emerged with the lion after him. The lion was gaining with tremendous bounds upon Frank. But Barney set the Steam Man after him with all speed. A terrific race followed. Pomp was at a loophole with his rifle. Drawing a bead on the animal, he fired. Barney lashed the throttle rein and did the same. Both shots took effect. But they did not stay the panther’s course, though they drew a howl of pain from him. But every moment increased Frank’s danger. He seemed certain to be overtaken. ‪“Be me sowl!” groaned Barney, in horror, ‪“I belave the divil will overthake Misther Frank. How many lives has the baste got, anyway?” But at that moment Barney hit upon a happy idea. By the best of good fortune Frank’s elephant rifle lay upon one of the seats. It contained an explosive shell and was a weapon very deadly in its effects. It did not take Barney long to make use of it. Seizing the rifle, he sprang to a loophole. The Steam Man had gained, and was but twenty yards from the panther. But the beast was within ten feet of Frank Reade, Jr. Just as he made a long leap to overtake his victim Barney fired. If ever there was a time in his life that the Celt needed nerve and accuracy of aim it was then. And straight to the mark sped the bullet. The explosive shell struck the panther full behind the shoulder. It tore its way through the beast’s heart and lungs. Death was instantaneous. But the beast’s body struck Frank and hurled him upon his face.