See the way they dip and then rise, frightened like!" Suddenly McLean turned toward him with blanching face "Freckles!" he cried.
"My God, sir!" shuddered Freckles.
He dropped the otter, caught up his club, and plunged into the swale.
Reaching for his revolver, McLean followed.

The chickens circled higher at their coming, and the big snake lifted his head and rattled angrily.
It sank in sinuous coils at the report of McLean's revolver, and together he and Freckles stood beside Black Jack.

His fate was evident and most horrible.
"Come," said the Boss at last.

"We don't dare touch him.

We will get a sheet from Mrs.Duncan and tuck over him, to keep these swarms of insects away, and set Hall on guard, while we find the officers." Freckles' lips closed resolutely.