hing
which appeared like a human form in some manner confined among the
rocks. He thought the body looked as if partially under a big stone that
held it down.

Instantly the thought came to him:

"It must be that a man has got caught there under a rock, which he has
pulled down upon himself in trying to clamber up."

Just as this thought entered his mind, he saw the boar give a fearful
spring and fall back with what seemed a strip of clothing between his
jaws.

The position of the imprisoned man must be awful, and there was not a
moment to lose. The next spring might be more successful.

The fierce jaws clashed together with a startling sound, and the huge
head was shaken, as if the frenzy of the monster was increased by the
possession of that bit of rag.

The prisoner gave another wild cry, and Ralph responded, with all the
strength of his lungs:

"I'll help you! I'll help you!"

He was too far off for a successful shot, but he hoped by firing to
attract the animal's attention from the man to himself, and then, in
case of need, he might retreat into some one of the trees among which he
was then standing.

So, taking the best aim he could, he fired both barrels in quick
succession. But the boar, except by a furious toss of the head and a
single terrible "_Whoosh!_" paid not the slightest attention to him.

Indeed, the efforts of the animal to reach the intended victim became,
if possible, more frantic than ever; and Ralph guessed that once, at
least, the tusks came in contact with some part of the poor captive's
body.

"I can do nothing in this way," he said to himself. "The man will be
torn in pieces before my eyes. I must make a bold move and take my
chance."

Between himself and the scene of danger there was neither rock nor tree,
but only the shallow mud and water, and the rank grass. The venture
would be a desperate one, but nothing less would save the man from a
terrible death.

[Illustration:
"RALPH'S LEGS WERE KNOCKED FROM UNDER HIM BY THE WEIGHT
OF THE HUGE BODY, SO THAT HE FELL AT FULL LENGTH IN THE MUD."]

Ralph had about him shells containing charges of all descriptions,
from fine shot to bullets. Quickly throwing open his breech-loader, he
slipped a ball cartridge into one barrel and a heavy charge of buckshot
into the other.

Then springing forward, he went splashing across the morass, with the
mud and water almost up to his knees.

"I am no marksman," he thought, as he strode rapid