ed, and only by a strong wrench did he save
himself from falling. The noise was heard by the animal, who was not
six feet distant, and he emitted another moan, which can never be
forgotten by those that have heard it.

Certain that the cur was about to rush forth, Tod steadied himself on
the single crutch, and, reversing the other, held it firmly in his weak
hands. He knew the shuffling sound was caused by the animal moving:
uneasily about the entry, and it was strange he did not burst through
the open door. But he did not do so, and, like a flash, the cripple
shifted his weapon in place under his shoulder. Then, with the same
coolness he had shown from the first, he reached his hand forward and
grasped the latch.

The smart pull he gave, however, did not stir it. It resisted the
effort, as though it was fastened in position. If such were the fact,
his scheme was futile.

Setting down both crutches, Tod now leaned against the jamb to prevent
himself from falling, seized the handle with both hands, and drew back
suddenly and with all his might. This time the door yielded and was
closed.

As it did so, the rabid animal flung himself against it with a violence
that threatened to carry it off its hinges, but it remained firm and he
was a prisoner.

"You are a hero!" called the teacher in a voice tremulous with
suppressed emotion.

"I guess we've got him fast, but look out, Mr. Hobbs, that he doesn't
reach you."

"I think there is little danger of that," said the other, looking
anxiously at the inner door, "but we must get help to dispose of him
before he can do further injury."

By this time, so many of the children had come back to the playgrounds
that several of those living near were sent home for assistance. It
quickly arrived; for Reuben Johnson and his uncle lost no time in
spreading the news, and three young men, each with a loaded gun,
appeared on the scene, eager to dispose of the dangerous animal. The
latter was at such disadvantage that this was done without trouble or
risk.

Providentially none of the children had been bitten, though more than
one underwent a narrow escape. Such animals as had felt the fangs of
the rabid cur were slain, and thus no harm resulted from the brief run
of the brute.

OVERREACHED.

Bushrod, or "Bush" Wyckoff was only twelve years old when he went to
work for Zeph Ashton, who was not only a crusty farmer, but one of the
meanest men in the country, and h