ow
sprang back among his lurking comrades. Instantly the forest rang with
wails and howls and snarling, as the wolves sprang upon their wounded
comrade (as is the way of many wild animals) and tore him to pieces.

Yet Arnold dared not leave the spot. If he ran, the wolves would soon be
upon him, for a fleeing prey is more closely pressed than one that
stands at bay. Moreover, he was in the centre of a clearing. If he were
to enter the woods, there would be many quarters from which he would be
open to attack and unable to defend himself freely.

The night wore on, and the moon crept up into the arc of the sky. His
enemies could be plainly seen now, though the shadows prevented him from
determining how great was their number. Probably the uncertain light
deceived him and multiplied the actual score. One thing--they were in
sufficient numbers to be a formidable danger, and it would need sharp
watching to ward off the attack effectively.

So long as there was a remnant of their comrade's flesh to fight and
snarl over, Bob was left in peace. But presently the strife became less
and the noise sank, and by such signs he knew that he had again become
the object of their unwelcome attentions.

He stood his guard with every nerve strained to catch the first sight
and sound of danger.

Then he saw two large forms creeping towards him from the front. They
came slowly, creeping low like dogs stalking game in the grass.

Bob waited until they drew near. He was reluctant to exhaust a cartridge
unless it was an absolute necessity. His wish was to exercise the force
of his muscle on these as he had done with their predecessor.

But, as the wolves came within a few yards, they stopped and eyed him
cautiously, and in this position the furred enemies and the boy stood
watching each other, just as wrestlers watch each other's eyes to
discover the vantage moment for a deadly grip.

The time passed, yet neither side moved. Then, to Bob's dismay, he
discovered that the whole mass of wolves had gathered together, and were
slowly creeping upon him in the wake of these two leaders.

And with the knowledge, the boy seemed to go mad for the time. He could
delay the fight no longer. His blood rushed hot to his head. He fired
one shot at the foremost wolves. Then he gripped his weapon by the
muzzle and sprang straight for the pack.

"Come on, you brutes!" he yelled, as he laid about him right and left.
"If it's got to be a fight, the soone