ive smile.

"Great Jehosaphat! No! Then it was a panther, after all!" cried Jerry.

"I think I'm safe in saying yes to that question," replied Frank.

"And now don't you wish you'd shot him?"

"Well, yes, if I had been positive, which I couldn't be, under the
circumstances, you see. Perhaps I may be lucky enough to run across one
of the breed again when there can be no uncertainty, for I would like
very much to say I'd knocked over a panther," was the reply Frank made.

"Say! Shall we cook breakfast again on the shore?" called Will from on
board the boat.

"We might as well. There will be plenty of occasions when we'll just have
to do it aboard, and this fire seems cheerful like," replied Jerry.

Frank agreeing with him, they carried the necessary utensils ashore, and
preparations were begun looking toward the getting of a bounteous meal.

"Wonder how our good friend, Black George, feels this morning? Hello!
We're going to have visitors, I see. Look what's coming down the river,
boys!"

As Bluff spoke they ceased eating and turned to gaze upstream. A boat was
advancing rapidly, with the aid of the current and a pair of stout ashen
oars. Several men occupied the craft which was quite roomy.

"Say, they've got some dogs there. Ain't those bloodhounds, Frank?"
whispered Will, for the boat was now close by, the men craning their
necks to look at the launch.

"I believe they are. Perhaps this is the sheriff on the run for our black
friend, George," returned Frank.

"Oh! I hope not. I don't believe the poor chap is as dangerous as all
that. I have an idea he's more sinned against than sinning," replied
Will, who always looked on the better side of those he met, and hence was
an easy mark for sharpers.

The men in the boat came ashore. Our friends then saw that the dogs were
of a black-and-tan color, with long ears, and the aspect that
distinguishes bloodhounds.

"Mornin', neighbors. Takin' a trip down the river, I see. That's right.
Like to see youngsters enjyin' themselves. I'm the sheriff o' this heah
county, an' these gentlemen is my deputies. We're a-lookin' fo' a desprit
scoundrel thet hes been doin' heaps o' mischief 'round heah. His latest
work was tuh rob the house o' a cotton planter named Davis, an' nigh
about kill the old man. We want him, an' we're jest 'bout determined
not tuh go back without the skunk. Don't s'pose yuh could 'a' set eyes on
sech a pizen critter, gents?" said the leader.

He was