LAYING PLANS

"Whee!"

That, of course, was Bobolink giving expression to his feelings when hetoo saw the crouching figure of the ugly beast in the pile of brush.

He fully expected that Paul would now feel it necessary to raise his gunto his shoulder, and fire, on the spur of the moment. Contrary to hisbelief, he found that the scout master did nothing of the sort. Instead,Paul took a deliberate step forward, straight toward the animal that laythere, staring at the blinding light.

"0h I my stars! he's going to scare him off with only that light!" exclaimedBobolink, talking to himself; and yet, strange to say, he followed closeat the heels of the advancing scout master, clutching his club tightly,and doubtless fully determined that if they were attacked, he would makethe stout weapon give a good account of itself.

For a brief space it seemed an open question whether the animal wouldturn tail and slink away, or openly attack the advancing boys. But therewas evidently something in that approaching dazzling light, and thepresence of human beings behind it, that proved too much for the beast.He gave a sudden turn, and bounded off, vanishing in the denser scrubbeyond; and for a short time the listening Bobolink could hear the soundof his retreat.

"Whew I that was the stuff, Paul!" cried Bobolink. "He just couldn't lookyou in the eye; could he? That fierce little staring orb was too much forhim. But what was it, Paul, a panther?"

Some one laughed back of them, and turning, light in arm, Paulsaw Nuthin.