ild creepers.

"A bird or a chipmunk," was Bob's decision. "In any case, whatever it
is, this antelope comes first. We are both at windward, though I guess
he hasn't scented us yet on account of the long grass. But I think it
would be better if we got round to the lee-side and waited for him to
rise."

"How would it be if I were to stay here, in case he comes this way?" Alf
suggested. "You could take the rifle----"

"A good idea. No, you keep the rifle," amended Bob, falling in with the
suggestion. "If I get to lee, I'll be near enough to do damage with the
breech-loader. If I fail, you'll have the longer sight with the rifle."

"All right," said Holden. "I'll wait just where I am behind this red
willow. I'll not fire until I'm certain that your gun is out of it."

"Good. I'm off," responded Bob, and immediately he started a cautious
creeping journey in the shelter of the bush, in hopes of reaching the
lee-side of the slough without attracting the attention of the animal
that was apparently resting in innocent bliss among the cool blue grass.

During his silent guard Alf a second time thought that he heard a
rustling above his head. But, following former experience, he thought
that the sound was due to nothing more than a flying squirrel at the
most, and he did not allow his eyes to be diverted from the spot where
the signs of the antelope had last been seen.

By and by he at last caught sight of his chum. Bob had reached the
farther end of the oval slough, and had risen to show himself. He waved
his arm to announce his position before creeping down to the grass.
Holden answered the signal, and rose to be ready for emergencies. But,
as he moved his right foot, he stepped upon something soft, whereupon he
was startled by a cry like that of a kitten. He gave a swift glance
downwards, and saw that he had inadvertently trodden on something small
and furry which was now expressing pain by means of shrill infantile
wails.

But his attention was immediately diverted by the sight of a dark body
starting up from the long grass in the slough. At the same instant he
heard the sharp crack of Arnold's gun. Alf darted the butt of his rifle
to his shoulder, to be in readiness for an emergency shot; but, before
the position was attained, something launched down upon him from the
trees--bearing him forwards into the willow bush, while the forest
echoed with the snarls of an infuriated wild beast.

CHAPTER III

THE LONE