Then the beast made its leap, striking Dick in the breast and knocking him over.
"Hullo! what's the row ?" The cry came from old Jerry, who had been sleeping next to Dick.

"Who fired that shot ?" "Help!" answered Dick.

"A wild beast has attacked me." "A wild beast!" came from several throats at once.
"Let me get a shot," came from Tom, as he bounced out of the house, pistol in hand, followed by Sam and Captain Blossom.
By this time Dick had gotten to his knees and was trying to fight off the animal which had fastened its teeth in the youth's trouser leg, for the boys slept with part of their garments on them.
"Shoot him! Hit him over the head with a club!" screamed the eldest Rover.

He expected every moment to have the beast fly at his throat, and he knew that that would be his death.
Old Jerry turned back to get a pistol or a club.

As he did this Tom rushed past him and up to Dick's side.