ll?"

"I do not, captain."

"It's a panther, unless I am greatly mistaken."

"Where?"

"Lying on the fallen tree, behind that tall bush," and Captain Moore
pointed with his hand.

As he did this the panther arose suddenly, then crouched down as if to
make a leap at them.

"Shoot!" ordered the captain, and as quickly as the private could raise
his rifle he fired. But his aim was poor, and the bullet flew a foot
over the panther's head.

"Missed, hang the luck!" muttered Carwell.

Scarcely had the words left his lips, when the panther made a fierce
leap and landed directly at the feet of the astonished pair. The beast
was evidently very hungry, or it would not have attacked human beings in
this semi-light of the early dawn.

Full of fear, Carwell staggered back, with his smoking rifle still in
his hand.

The panther growled and switched its tail from side to side. The rifle
shot had filled it with wonder, and it did not know what to do next.

"Be careful--he is going to take another leap!" cried the young captain.

He was right; the panther was now preparing for another spring. Before
Carwell could get out of the way, the beast came on, pinning the
private to the earth.

As Carwell went down the whole camp roused up, and the second guard came
up on the double quick.

"What's up, captain?" he sang out.

"Shoot the panther!" answered the young officer. "Quick, or you'll be
too late. Don't hit Carwell."

Crack! the rifle spoke up, and the beast was hit fairly and squarely in
the side. At this it let out a blood-curdling scream of pain. It had
caught Carwell by the arm, but now it released its hold.

"A panther!" roared one of the old soldiers. "And a big one. Git your
guns, boys! He aint no beast to fool with, I can tell you that!"

Those who had guns ran for them. But in the meantime the panther turned
around, as if to retreat.

Then, of a sudden, it seemed to catch sight of Captain Moore, and with a
snarl of rage it threw itself upon the young officer, and both went over
with a loud splash into the brook.

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE SKIRMISH IN THE BRUSH.

Up to the time the panther had turned upon him, the young officer had
thought but little of his own safety, being concerned chiefly about
Carwell, who was flat on his back, and who looked as if he as going to
be chewed up by this wild, lean, and hungry beast of the forest.

But now Captain Moore found himself attacked, and as he went over i