Page 113 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

112 THIRD BOOK O
himself absolutely incapable of advancing or receding a single step. Meanwhile, in the twinkling of an eye the panther reached him. Sporting with its prey, in the manner of a cat with a mouse which she has taken, the rocious animal began to take di er­ ent positions, varying its attitudes, and seeking to touch him with its ot, as if to tantalise him; then 1·emoving suddenly to the distance of some paces, darted rapidly upon him. The poor youth under­ stood very well, by what he had heard of the unhap­ py te of others in a similar case, in what manner this ig tful sport was to terminate; he believed that his last hour was come. this ightful position, destitute of all human succour, he did not, however, rget the lessons of his Christian education, which taught him, that in every extremity man has an in­ visible friend, the Lord and Maker of men and ani­ mals, whose ears are ever open to the cry of the dis­ tressed, and who, if he sees it expedient r us, can at any time rescue us om danger. He recommend­ ed himself to God, in secret, but rvent prayer. At that instant a noise was beard : it was an Arab horse­ man armed with a gun, who approached with the in­ tention of passing by the spot. A rigbted in its
turn, the panther took to ight, at the moment when, bereft of all strength, and almost sinking to the earth, he whom it had kept a prisoner, was about to be­ come its victim. He returned to the monastery, pouring out bis heart in gratitude to Heaven, r having so miraculously preserved him from immi­ nent danger.