He was still very much excited, fearful that the wild-cat might take it into his head to come down and give the dog battle, in which case he would be certain to escape; for, although Brave was a very powerful and courageous dog, he could make but a poor show against the sharp teeth and claws of the wild-cat.

The more Frank thought of it, the more excited he became, and the faster he ran.

In a very few moments he reached the house, and burst into the room where Uncle Joe and Archie and two or three hired men sat at breakfast.

Frank seemed not to notice them, but made straight across the room toward the place where his shot-gun hung against the wall, upsetting chairs in his progress, and creating a great confusion.
"What in tarnation is the matter ?" exclaimed the farmer, rising to his feet.
"I've found the wild-cat," answered Frank, in a scarcely audible voice.
"What's that ?" shouted Archie, springing to his feet, and upsetting his chair and coffee-cup.
But Frank could not wait to answer.

One bound carried him across the floor and out of the door, and he started across the field at the top of his speed, dropping a handful of buck-shot into each barrel of his gun as he went.