"In his loneliness, in his despair, he cried, 'Oh, God, help me!' He
covered his face with his hands and wept. He had forsaken the belief
of a lifetime. He had acknowledged that there was a God!
"There was a rustling sound above him, and a heavy body fell to the
bottom of the well. Some wild animal! He was unarmed with the
exception of his hunting-knife. That was slight protection against a
savage beast, but he would defend himself to the last.
"He listened. The animal, whatever it was, was breathing, but it did
not move. Perhaps it was stunned by the fall, but would soon revive.
He would kill it. A few firm blows and the beast was dead. It did not
breathe. Its body was losing its warmth. He was safe from that
danger.
"He slept again. When he awoke the sun was high. Beside him was the
dead body of a mountain lion.
"He drank some more of the muddy water. He was so hungry. Was there
no means of escape? Must he die there with that dead lion for a
companion?
"He had an inspiration. With his knife he cut the lion's hide into
strips. He tied these together until he had a rope. He threw it over
the branch and drew himself up. The Earth looked so bright and
cheerful. He threw himself upon his knees and thanked God for his
deliverance. He was an educated 'fool' no longer. He had found God in
that pool of muddy water, and God had sent a lion to deliver him.
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