Various exclamations arose from the group.
"By gum! It's a painter, sure as you live!" said Billy calmly.
"Never heard of one so bold!" whispered Reddy hoarsely, feeling for the
weapon he usually carried attached to his belt.
"Everybody sit quiet, and see what he means to do. He won't attack us,
but it may be you'll see him make a jump for the balance of that sheep
over yonder. The scent of the game has aroused his hunger. Look at him
raise his head to see!"
Mr. Mabie spoke these words in a low but tense tone. He was more or less
excited by the strange actions of the prowling panther.
"I reckon it's a mother, with hungry cubs near by. She's just bound to
get some grub for the kits, men or no men. Now, if you lie low, and
watch, I reckon you'll see something you never expected to see in your
born days."
Billy sat there motionless. Only Frank saw the movement of Bluff when he
raised his rifle, and while he would have warned his chum against the
folly of firing, before he could frame words to carry his meaning, the
quick report came, causing a sensation among those around the fire.
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