human
I guess it is dead after all, said Phil, after he had poked the beast with a stick.
gpt
Wonder what it can be?
human
Looks a little like a big wildcat,
gpt
I know what it is, answered Dave, after all were certain the beast was dead and they had dragged it over to the fire.
human
It's a cougar, or mountain lion,--one of the worst wild beasts to be found in the West.
gpt
Then it's no wonder I got scared when first I saw it, said Phil.
human
My, what a powerful animal! And it must weigh fifty or sixty pounds.
gpt
All of that, Phil.
human
Is this the beast some call a panther or painter?
gpt
Yes, Roger. I was reading about them in a natural history, and the cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, and painter are all the same beast. Years ago they were common all over the United States, but now they are to be found only in the Far West and in the South. I think we can count it a big feather in our cap that we killed a cougar.
human
Do you think he was going to attack us?
gpt
He was after the deer. But there is no telling what he might have done. I am glad he is dead. Phil, it was lucky you heard the beast.
human
Talk about excitement! cried the shipowner's son.
gpt
I rather think we are getting it! Rattlesnakes, deer, and a panther, all in one day and night!
human
That is certainly piling it on some, admitted Dave.
gpt
But to-morrow may pass without a thing doing.
human
More than likely, returned Roger.
gpt
Things always happen in bunches, you know.