arm and his finger on
the trigger he looked cautiously about the circle of the forest.

Ned's gaze at last met that of a pair of red eyes, a little further
apart than those of the wolves. He knew then that they belonged to a
larger animal, and presently he caught a glimpse of the figure. He was
sure that it was a puma or cougar, and so far as he could judge it was a
big brute. It, too, must be very hungry, or it would not dare the fire
and the human odor.

Ned felt tentatively of his rifle, but changed his mind. He remembered
the Panther's exploit with the firebrand, and he decided to imitate it,
but on a much larger scale. He laid down his rifle, but kept his left
hand on the butt of the pistol in his belt. Then selecting the largest
torch from the fire he made a rush straight for the blazing eyes,
thrusting the flaming stick before him. There was a frightened roar, and
then the sound of a heavy body crashing away through the undergrowth.
Ned returned, satisfied that he had done as well as the Panther and
better.

Both the Panther and Obed were awake and sitting up. They looked
curiously at Ned, who still carried the flaming brand in his hand.

"A noise like the sound of thunder away off wakened me up," said the
Panther. "Now, what have you been up to, young 'un?"

"Me?" said Ned lightly. "Oh, nothing important. I wanted to make some
investigations in natural history out there in the bushes, and as I
needed a light for the purpose I took it."

"An' if I'm not pressin' too much," said the Panther, in mock humility,
"may I make so bold as to ask our young Solomon what is natural
history?"

"Natural history is the study of animals. I saw a panther in the bushes
and I went out there to examine him. I saw that he was a big fellow, but
he ran away so fast I could tell no more about him."

"You scared him away with the torch instead of shooting," said Obed. "It
was well done, but it took a stout heart. If he comes again tell him I
won't wake up until it's time for my watch."

He was asleep again inside of a minute, and the Panther followed him
quickly. Both men trusted Ned fully, treating him now as an experienced
and skilled frontiersman. He knew it, and he felt proud and encouraged.

The panther did not come back, but the wolves did, although Ned now paid
no attention to them. He was growing used to their company and the
uncanny feeling departed. He merely replenished the fires and sat
patiently until it was ti