e the catamount within six feet
of him. But he kept a cool head, and lifted his rifle, which he had
meanwhile reloaded. There was no time to hesitate. He aimed, and pulled
the trigger.

With the stunning report that followed, he rolled backward into the
cabin and sprang to his feet. A frightful scream of blended rage and
agony echoed through the tunnel, and the startled boys hastily pushed
the sled against the door. Then they backed off, and waited. Jerry
disengaged the still burning lantern from his belt, and placed it on the
floor.

Another horrid scream, pitched in a strain of mortal agony. Then a bang
and a crash. Away went the sled, and plump into the cabin tumbled the
wounded and infuriated catamount.

It was well for the lads that Hamp retained his presence of mind. Like a
flash the double barreled shotgun went to his shoulder. Twice he pulled
the trigger.

Bang, bang! a rasping screech mingled with the stunning reports. Then
all was still. When the curtain of powder smoke slowly lifted, the
quaking boys saw their ferocious enemy quivering in his death throes on
the blood-stained pine boughs.

CHAPTER XIV.

A HERD OF DEER.

Such a cheering arose as might have been heard far off in the forest.
The praises and congratulations of his companions brought a ruddy flush
to Hamp's cheeks.

"It wasn't anything to do," he protested, modestly. "When the creature
bounced in, I just up and fired. Jerry gets the most credit."

"No, I don't, either," declared Jerry. "My rifleball took him in the
shoulder, and your charges of buckshot went through the head. You saved
our lives, Hamp, for the brute was crazy with pain, and would have torn
us to pieces."

"That's so," assented Brick. "I thought it was all up with us when Hamp
fired. Well, we're rid of a mighty ugly enemy. You fellows may be glad
you weren't in my shoes when the beast had me penned up in the crevice
back of the storehouse."

When the excitement of their recent adventures had passed off, the boys
discovered that they were very sleepy. The night was well advanced, so
they turned in without delay, permitting the lantern to burn dimly. They
were not inclined to lie down in darkness with the dead catamount.

Morning seemed to come quickly. The boys were astir early, and had
breakfast over by eight o'clock. Then they crept out to the mouth of the
tunnel, and were disappointed to find that t