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As Tarzan approached, the beast turned, snarling, toward him, struggling to
extricate itself; but one great limb across its back and the smaller entangling
branches pinioning its legs prevented it from moving but a few inches in any
direction.
The ape-man stood before the helpless cat fitting an arrow to his bow that he
might dispatch the beast that otherwise must die of starvation; but even as he
drew back the shaft a sudden whim stayed his hand.
Why rob the poor creature of life and liberty, when it would be so easy a thing to
restore both to it! He was sure from the fact that the panther moved all its limbs
in its futile struggle for freedom that its spine was uninjured, and for the same
reason he knew that none of its limbs were broken.
Relaxing his bowstring, he returned the arrow to the quiver and, throwing the
bow about his shoulder, stepped closer to the pinioned beast.
On his lips was the soothing, purring sound that the great cats themselves made
when contented and happy. It was the nearest approach to a friendly advance
that Tarzan could make in the language of Sheeta.
The panther ceased his snarling and eyed the ape-man closely. To lift the tree's
great weight from the animal it was necessary to come within reach of those long,
strong talons, and when the tree had been removed the man would be totally at
the mercy of the savage beast; but to Tarzan of the Apes fear was a thing
unknown.
Having decided, he acted promptly.
Unhesitatingly, he stepped into the tangle of branches close to the panther's side,
still voicing his friendly and conciliatory purr. The cat turned his head toward
the man, eyeing him steadily--questioningly. The long fangs were bared, but more
in preparedness than threat.
Tarzan put a broad shoulder beneath the bole of the tree, and as he did so his
bare leg pressed against the cat's silken side, so close was the man to the great
beast.
Slowly Tarzan extended his giant thews.
The great tree with its entangling branches rose gradually from the panther, who,
feeling the encumbering weight diminish, quickly crawled from beneath. Tarzan
let the tree fall back to earth, and the two beasts turned to look upon one
another.
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