bability it must be caused by prowling
'coons.

For the third time he felt positive that his ear had caught a sound, as
of a stealthy movement. To his surprise, it seemed to come from the tree
under which he had taken up his station. So he naturally bent his head
back in the effort to locate the little animal that must be curiously
observing him.

A thrill passed through his frame as he first of all caught sight of two
yellow eyes that glared at him not more than ten feet above his head.
Then he could make out a dark body, about five feet in length, and with
something moving back and forth at its extreme end.

Frank caught his breath, and his hands clutched the gun he held. He did
not need any one to tell him that he was gazing up at a panther,
crouching overhead, and possibly getting ready to leap down upon him at
any second!

CHAPTER XXI

A STRENUOUS NIGHT

Fortunately, Frank was a quick-witted boy.

He had his gun held in such a position that it required only a simple
movement to swing it upward. To aim, under the conditions, was out of the
question. He had to depend entirely upon guesswork, or what might be
called intuition.

Imagine the astonishment of the others, crouching close by, when a flash
of flame pierced the darkness, and the crash of Frank's gun was instantly
followed by a fierce scream in which both pain and fury were mingled!

Frank had no sooner fired than he threw himself backward. Knowing
something about the habits of these animals, he understood that the
panther would make its leap, no matter how seriously it might be wounded.

Frank did not claim to be an acrobat, but he certainly made a record for
himself in the line of back tumbling.

"Who shot?" shouted Jerry in amazement.

"Where's the bear?" came from Joe, equally amazed and confused.

Frank had by this time managed to scramble to his feet. He was somewhat
scratched, and would perhaps feel a bit sore from his tremendous effort,
but his heart beat high with anticipation when he realized that all was
still in the quarter where he had been snugly lying.

"Stir up the fire, Jerry, and fetch a torch here!" he called, holding
himself in readiness for another shot, if such should be needed.

"You just bet I will!" cried the other, bounding forward.

Frank saw him give the smoldering fire a kick that started it into new
life. Then, bending over, he snatched a brand and came running back.

"Where are you, Frank? What under