voice behind them called:

"Don't be afraid! Stand still. I'm going to shoot!"

The next moment a shot rang out. The beast quivered and then whirled in
its death struggle, while strong arms reached through the floating
powder smoke, and pulled Ruth and Alice back, and out of danger.

CHAPTER XVI

IN THE CAVE

The animal, in its death struggle, bit and clawed at the snow and bushes
about it, and actually came almost to the feet of the shrinking girls;
but they were safe from harm, for the shot had come just in time.

"I guess I'll have to give him another bullet," said the man who had
ended the career of the beast. "I'll put it out of its misery," and he
did so. The shot, so close at hand, caused Ruth and Alice to jump
nervously, and then, for the first time, as the beast stretched out, and
lay still, they took a look at their rescuer.

"Why it's Flaming Arrow!" exclaimed Alice, in delight.

"At your service!" he laughed. "I am glad I happened to be near here."

"So are we!" exclaimed Ruth, with a nervous laugh. "What sort of a beast
is that--a young bear?"

"No, it's a wildcat, and a mean sort of animal, once it attacks you.
This one must have felt that it was cornered, for they are not usually
so bold. It's a big one, though, and the pelt will make a fine rug for
your room. May I have the pleasure of sending it to you?" he asked.

"Oh, can you make it into a rug?" asked Alice.

"Yes, I know something of curing, and I have the materials at my shack
in the lumber camp. I'll make a rug for you, only I'm afraid it isn't
big enough for two," he said, ruefully.

"Oh, Alice may have it!" exclaimed Ruth, generously.

"Then I'll get another for you," offered Flaming Arrow. "They usually
travel in pairs, and the mate of this one is sure to be around
somewhere. I'll get him."

Later the Indian did get another wildcat, whether or not the mate of the
first one he shot could not be determined; but, at any rate, Ruth and
Alice each received a handsome fur rug for their room.

The sound of the shots brought up the others of the moving picture
company, and Paul turned rather pale when he realized the danger Alice
had been in.

"Why didn't you call for help?" he asked.

"We didn't need to. Flaming Arrow was right on the spot when he was
needed," replied Alice.

"I happened to be out on a little hunting trip," the Indian explained,
"and I saw the wildcat sneak in this thicket. I did not see the girls,
tho