-he might shoot the bear.
Running right up, without realizing his danger, he went close behind
the combatants. Not noticing the serpent's tail in the grass he trod
upon it, when round his ankle it swept, and in an instant he was thrown
upon his face and stunned.

Bruin, though fighting bravely, was losing the battle. Chattie was
circling wildly in the air and screaming. Everything seemed to be lost.

Suddenly Robin woke up, drew a hunting knife from his belt and slashed
the serpent's tail, setting himself free. The reptile turned its
arched head towards him, showed its tiger-like fangs and hissed as from
a pipe of steam. Robin jumped back a little and picked up his gun.
Placing it to his shoulder, he took rapid aim within a few feet of the
serpent's head--bang went fire and smoke and bullet--snake and bear
tumbled down together and rolled upon the grass. The unusual sometimes
happens, a boy had done the work of the bravest man. The huge, dark
monster was shot through the head, and its long, scaly body twisted and
quivered in death.

Hug-grippy, slowly disentangling himself, went down to the brook all in
a tremble, and freely drank of the water. He rested for a little in
the cooling stream and rose up refreshed. Coming forward to Robin, he
licked his extended hand in unspoken thankfulness. As a member of a
kindness class he had come to the aid of Silver Ribbon just in time to
break the spell, yet he himself would have perished but for the timely
aid of a brave, true boy.

"Hurrah for my beloved young master, and for dear old Hug-grippy,"
shrieked Chattie in hysteric happiness.

"Don't mention me," said Bruin softly, with a smile broad and funny.

"Nor me," said Robin modestly; "it is due to us all," added he with a
sweet becoming smile.

And the young soldier-teacher, with Chattie on his shoulder and
Hug-grippy by his side carrying the gun, went home with glad and
exultant heart to the quaint castle.

Silver Ribbon became completely changed, working honestly and well; and
from that time forward she was respected and loved.

The awful conflict was never forgotten by the many pets of Castle
Frank: they talked over it now and again all their lives, and they
thought how good and great was the young master, who went through such
trouble and danger for the benefit of creatures so much his inferior.

"I guess," said Red Ribbon on a certain occasion, "Master Robin
understands that we have feelings as well a