And he thought of a story he had once read of a hunter shooting his companion who had got the nightmare and was crawling around in his sleep.

For all he knew, it might be Sam or Tom, or one of the others.
But now came a sound which was not to be mistaken.

It was a low, savage growl, followed by the rustling of a bushy tail among the brushwood.

It was a wild animal, and it was getting ready to make a leap for the boy! Taking aim as best he could, Dick pulled the trigger.

Bang! went the firearm, and a snarl of pain and rage rang out.