Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/401545
Only a fragile framework of bamboo and grass separated him from the deadly man-eater. By Pat James Byrne as told to Captain John H. Brandt Illustrations by Larry Toschik LEOPARD ON THE ROOFTOP J adu Manji tried desperately to keep the tattered umbrella over the head of his wife Rongo as she attempted to shield her two-month-old infant from the incessant rain. The little family huddled under the eaves of a small rural bus stop near the village of Dharampur in Orissa state. The thatch provided little protection as the rain dripped down on them. It was late December and the night was cool. The soaking rain made everyone shiver as they crowded together for warmth. No one else was at the stop, probably recognizing that travel on such a night had better be postponed until another day. The family had important business at Balliguda, and both the man and his wife hoped the bus would come soon. At least inside the bus it would be dry. S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 3 8