Part 29 (2/2)

”I do not, captain”

”It's a panther, unless I a on the fallen tree, behind that tall bush,” and Captain Moore pointed with his hand

As he did this the panther arose suddenly, then crouched down as if to make a leap at them

”Shoot!” ordered the captain, and as quickly as the private could raise his rifle he fired But his aim was poor, and the bullet flew a foot over the panther's head

”Missed, hang the luck!” muttered Carwell

Scarcely had the words left his lips, when the panther made a fierce leap and landed directly at the feet of the astonished pair The beast was evidently very hungry, or it would not have attacked huht of the early dawn

Full of fear, Carwell staggered back, with his srowled and switched its tail from side to side The rifle shot had filled it onder, and it did not knohat to do next

”Be careful--he is going to take another leap!” cried the young captain

He was right; the panther was now preparing for another spring Before Carwell could get out of the way, the beast ca the private to the earth

As Carent down the whole cauard ca out

”Shoot the panther!” answered the young officer ”Quick, or you'll be too late Don't hit Carwell”

Crack! the rifle spoke up, and the beast was hit fairly and squarely in the side At this it let out a blood-curdling screaht Carwell by the arm, but now it released its hold

”A panther!” roared one of the old soldiers ”And a big one Git your guns, boys! He aint no beast to fool with, I can tell you that!”

Those who had guns ran for them But in the meantime the panther turned around, as if to retreat

Then, of a sudden, it seee it threw itself upon the young officer, and both went over with a loud splash into the brook

CHAPTER XXIV

THE SKIRMISH IN THE BRUSH

Up to the ti officer had thought but little of his own safety, being concerned chiefly about Carwell, as flat on his back, and who looked as if he as going to be chewed up by this wild, lean, and hungry beast of the forest

But now Captain Moore found himself attacked, and as he went over into the brook he realized that he was in theIndians and desperadoes was nothing co this beast, that see officer struck the brook was five or six feet deep, and as the panther caht to the bottom