DISCRETION

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 68

DISCRETION

By

G. J. Blyth.

(Special fob the Otago Witness.)

Steady sunlight poured upon the mass of rocks at the foot of the ravine, and trailed in ribbons of purest gold mid the flickering beech trees. Shimmering waves of heat radiated from the rocks, and the water below in the little stream sang a hushed lullaby as it trickled lazily. The world slept. Presently, when the shadows crept up the trunks of th(T trees and reached tentative fingers to grasp each slender swaying bough, life stirred gently, and there was a rustle and a murmur in the undergrowth as Nature awakened from her siesta.

High up on the cliff side, where for hours there had been lying a dull yellow gleam, as of a pool of stagnant sunlight, there rose the slender, figure of a tawny cat —rippling sleek sides and lithe muscles, small ears—scared and torn by many a battle, and eyes that gleamed yellow with narrow black slits. Carefully stretching and arching in the luxury of vigorous life coursing through perfect limbs, he presented a picture of complete harmony with his surroundings. Brown and golden creature —free and untrammelled —untouched by the restraining hand of man!

Here in the valley life abounded. Rabbits popped in and out, and sat with ears trembling back in the quaintest listening attitudes. Birds there were in myriads, and the evening air was filled with a flood of melody.

Slowly the great cat descended from it retreat, majestically stalking from boulder to boulder with his' tail swinging arrogantly. Truly, the cat that walked by himself!

Once down to the floor of the ravine he moved more cautiously. Round" the rocks he-crept silently until the beech trees were reached, and crouched on the edge. of : the clearing he . watched, body pressed flat and tail twitching eagerly. A . foolish .young rabbit hopped nimbly to and fro and heeded the warning signal too late. There was a flash, a quick smothered squeal, and only fl. limp furry body struggled feebly in the powerful jaws. . - The king made his evening meal! Slowly the moon slid over the curtain of dull blueness and a silver cascade of light poured into the valley. Shadows bunched together, and huddled against the rocks, and the little stream was molten silver as it danced over rocks tinted with mellow beauty.

Down where the river flowed into a marshy pool there were reeds and tufted raupo meshed in the shallows. Among the roots and weeds there had been a cunningly contrived nest, and now as the night was sultry, four tender little ducklings sat among the raupo, four downy shadowy balls. Down the slope crept the cat. Crawling from shadow to shadow and stalking the delicious scent of young duckling, he hugged the ground and moved slowly onwards. His eyes flashed little pools of glowing fire, and he sprang like a streak of venom across the last moonlit space before he seized his prey! Instantly there was commotion! Instead of the easy succulent supper he had expected, there arose from behind him a hissing terror. With twisting neck and beating wings the drake swept him backwards towards the water as he turned and fought for his life! Back and forth weaving the air swayed the long neck with the cruel gaping bill, and the strong wings beat unmercifully at the snarling, spitting thing that lashed through the air to the attack, with thwarted desire lending fury to each gleaming tooth and claw! Twisting and spinning like a demon of bristling fur the great cat fought for liberty, but he was retreating gradually’, and suddenly as he crouched on the water’s edge panic entered his soul and he made a wild leap, a sudden twist and was away over the rocks —fleeing ignominiously from the cackling, flapping monster! Far up the valley he paused. Still spitting syllables of hate he gradually soothed his ruffled spirits, and the hair on his back and tail resumed its normal proportions. He licked his side ruefully, for there was a stinging slash along his beautiful coat. Stiff afid sore he made his way up the ravine, and daylight saw him padding over the lawn at the homestead. In the dairy he heard the rattle of cans, and his eyes flickered. There was an enticing aroma of breakfast in the air, and a truant cat slunk'into the kitchen and sat meekly waiting. “ Tiger! Where have you been. You naughty cat!” He slowly blinked with filmy impenetrable eyes, and from the depths there rumbled a purr. He arched his stiff aching back and rubbed against friendly legs. . Tiger was home!