Part 39 (1/2)

What could that be? Was it something real or only a shadow? d.i.c.k rubbed his eyes and peered out more sharply than ever. It was not a shadow, but a real form, slowly moving around to the rear of the house.

”An animal, or else a man crawling along,” said d.i.c.k to himself, and reached for his gun, which stood close at hand. Then he made up his mind to investigate, and stepped outside of the doorway for that purpose.

CHAPTER XXVII

A FIGHT WITH A WILD BEAST

As d.i.c.k stepped out of the house, gun in hand, the form disappeared behind a small clump of bushes growing not fifty feet away.

”It's gone,” he said to himself, but waited patiently, with his gun ready for use.

The clouds were increasing, making it darker than ever. Almost holding his breath, the youth took several steps forward. Then he waited again.

At last the form reappeared, crouched lower than ever, so that it was almost hidden by the rocks and low brushwood leading to the jungle. At first d.i.c.k imagined the beast, or whatever it was, was going to retreat to the timber, but soon it appeared to turn back, as if to make another semicircle, this time around to the rear of the house.

It must be admitted that d.i.c.k's heart thumped madly in his breast.

The gun was raised and he kept his finger on the trigger. But he did not dare to shoot until he was certain of the object of his aim.

”I don't want to kill anybody,” he reasoned. And he thought of a story he had once read of a hunter shooting his companion who had got the nightmare and was crawling around in his sleep. For all he knew, it might be Sam or Tom, or one of the others.

But now came a sound which was not to be mistaken. It was a low, savage growl, followed by the rustling of a bushy tail among the brushwood. It was a wild animal, and it was getting ready to make a leap for the boy!

Taking aim as best he could, d.i.c.k pulled the trigger. Bang! went the firearm, and a snarl of pain and rage rang out. Then the beast made its leap, striking d.i.c.k in the breast and knocking him over.

”Hullo! what's the row?” The cry came from old Jerry, who had been sleeping next to d.i.c.k. ”Who fired that shot?”

”Help!” answered d.i.c.k. ”A wild beast has attacked me.”

”A wild beast!” came from several throats at once.

”Let me get a shot,” came from Tom, as he bounced out of the house, pistol in hand, followed by Sam and Captain Blossom.

By this time d.i.c.k had gotten to his knees and was trying to fight off the animal which had fastened its teeth in the youth's trouser leg, for the boys slept with part of their garments on them.

”Shoot him! Hit him over the head with a club!” screamed the eldest Rover. He expected every moment to have the beast fly at his throat, and he knew that that would be his death.

Old Jerry turned back to get a pistol or a club. As he did this Tom rushed past him and up to d.i.c.k's side. Taking a hasty aim, Tom discharged the pistol twice.

Another growl rang out and the beast dropped back, shot through the foreshoulder and the neck. Then Tom let drive once more and the beast fell forward, shot through the left front leg.

”Good for you, Tom!” cried d.i.c.k, as he arose.

”What is it?” came from Captain Blossom, as he appeared with a shotgun.

A shot from this finished the beast and it rolled over and over in its death agonies, and Sam finished it with a blow on the head with a big club.

By this time the girls were crowding outside, having clothed themselves with whatever was handiest. Torches were lit, and a s.h.i.+p's lantern, and all went to examine the creature.