By this time, he had gained a position where he believed he could make
the buckshot in his gun tell, and with as steady a hand as he could bring
to bear, Jerry took aim at the exposed side of the deer.
When he fired the animal fell in its tracks, and, giving a shout, the
exultant young hunter was about rushing forward to secure his quarry when
suddenly his horrified eyes discovered moving figures rushing through the
undergrowth, and heading toward the spot where the deer lay, still
struggling feebly.
Instantly he remembered what the trapper had said. These then were the
wild dogs. Evidently they were hungry, and at the time he shot had been
trying to creep up on the animal which they yearned to make a meal from.
Jerry mechanically threw out the empty shell, and pushed another into the
chamber of his gun. He saw the pack bolt forward, heard the wild clamor
that marked their advance, and then caught the exultant strain in their
noisy yelpings, as they pounced upon the slain deer.
The boy felt more indignant than alarmed. That was _his_ deer, for he had
done the stalking up against the wind; nor was he at all disposed to
allow those greedy curs a chance to tear the quarry to pieces in their
savage way.
Pages:
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120