"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a share in consequence." "Go to the devil with your offers." "Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself." "Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you try my patience too much." "Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me. Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent. That is all I say." And turning round, he rode off. "He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe he has some villainy in hand." At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another at no great distance. "There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking his horse's ears to keep him quiet. At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air, a desperate shriek for assistance. "The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have doubtless attacked him." And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain, dashed in the desired direction. In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror. Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar, licking his tongue before leaping. "Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter. "I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and then going close up to the trembling wretch. The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline glance. "A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil his beautiful skin." Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar, without turning his head, responded in the same tone. "By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so loving a couple," he said. At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye. "One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife. At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound seized on the flanks of the horse. Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the ground. Then the man stood erect. "That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts! Get up. Heavens! He's fainted." Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he bathed his face until he recovered. But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed impossible he should ever reach home. In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man up behind him, and carried him home. He then turned to go without a word. "Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be ever on your guard." Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint. CHAPTER XXI.