Part 7 (1/2)
”If we do the catamount will likely climb after us,” replied Jerry
”Keep cool, fellows A wolf is a born coward, and hates powder We'll give the pack a good dose of lead if they molest us Have your rifles ready”
The boys hurriedly built up the fire with great logs Then, after a short discussion, they retreated to the cabin
”This is the safest place,” said Hamp, as he barricaded the entrance with one of the sleds ”Tear a hole in that loall, Jerry About as big as your head”
As soon as the opening was made the boys crowded before it It faced the direction fro, and co carcass
Closer on the frosty air rang the dis through the undergrowth The boys waited, nervously fingering their rifles
Suddenly a great, tawny beast sprang into full view frory catamount With a bound it fastened teeth and claws in the haunch of venison It pulled it to the ground, and then dragged it lightly to the top of the bluff
CHAPTER VI
BESIEGED BY WOLVES
This daring theft was so quickly done and over that the boys had no chance to shoot The venison could be plainly seen, but only the catamount's ears and tail were visible as he crouched behind it
”The i We don't want to lose the meat Shall I try a shot?”
”Better let me,” replied Jerry ”I think I see a chance Keep back a little”
The boys h the hole The hammer clicked Then there was an anxious pause of half a et a shot,” was the reply ”The brute has dropped lower, and won't stir Wait a bit,” Jerry added, as he withdrew the weapon ”You fellows are going to see the liveliest sight of your lives Here co like fury He doesn't intend to let hiathered before the hole, eager to witness the cole They were too excited to bother ry pack scented the savory ed to quick, shrill yelps They were very close
All at once the flalare flashed to the top of the bluff The catamount had shi+fted his position, and the boys saw hireat jaere open, and his tail lashed the brush angrily
”What a chance!” whispered Jerry ”I could put a ball right through him”
”Don't spoil the fun,” pleaded Brick ”The wolves will make an end of the brute”
”Don't be too sure of that,” muttered Ha The opportunity of ridding the boys of a relentless enemy was imprudently allowed to slip by
An instant later the scene changed Out froaunt and ravenous with hunger They darted at the venison, snarling defiance There was a lightning-like bound, and a screech of fury
For a few seconds the three anile
Then the cata back to the carcass One wolf lay dead and led on the snow The other limped into the forest with dismal wails