ickly done and over that the boys had no
chance to shoot. The venison could be plainly seen, but only the
catamount's ears and tail were visible as he crouched behind it.

"The impudent brute," cried Brick. "That beats everything. We don't want
to lose the meat. Shall I try a shot?"

"Better let me," replied Jerry. "I think I see a chance. Keep back a
little."

The boys moved aside, and Jerry poked his rifle through the hole. The
hammer clicked. Then there was an anxious pause of half a minute.

"What's wrong?" whispered Hamp.

"Can't get a shot," was the reply. "The brute has dropped lower, and
won't stir. Wait a bit," Jerry added, as he withdrew the weapon. "You
fellows are going to see the liveliest sight of your lives. Here come
the wolves, and the catamount is growling like fury. He doesn't intend
to let himself be robbed of that venison."

The boys all gathered before the hole, eager to witness the coming
struggle. They were too excited to bother much about their own peril.

Now the hungry pack scented the savory meat. The long howls changed to
quick, shrill yelps. They were very close.

All at once the flames danced up around the logs. The red glare flashed
to the top of the bluff. The catamount had shifted his position, and the
boys saw him plainly. His great jaws were open, and his tail lashed the
brush angrily.

"What a chance!" whispered Jerry. "I could put a ball right through
him."

"Don't spoil the fun," pleaded Brick. "The wolves will make an end of
the brute."

"Don't be too sure of that," muttered Hamp.

However, Jerry had no intention of interfering. The opportunity of
ridding the boys of a relentless enemy was imprudently allowed to slip
by.

An instant later the scene changed. Out from the--forest broke two
shadowy gray forms, gaunt and ravenous with hunger. They darted at the
venison, snarling defiance. There was a lightning-like bound, and a
screech of fury.

For a few seconds the three animals were a shapeless, whirling tangle.
Then the catamount tumbled out of the heap, and sprang back to the
carcass. One wolf lay dead and mangled on the snow. The other limped
into the forest with dismal wails.

But the balance of the pack were close by. Out they leaped in twos and
threes, reckless of the firelight. White teeth gleamed and snapped in
every crevice of the timber.

The catamount screeched, and quivered for a second attack. Then it
altered its purpose. It seized the haunch of v