We walked slowly round the fire three times, fully aware of the fact
that the creature was regularly stalking us, for it kept up the
scratching rustling noise, and howled at intervals.

This was trying enough to our nerves; but when, all at once, every sound
ceased, and we stood there by the ruddy blaze, it seemed terrible to
know that our enemy was close at hand, but not to know exactly where.
At any moment we felt that it might spring upon us, and I turned a
wistful look upon the doctor, which he responded to by saying:

"Throw on more wood."

I obeyed him, and the blaze flashed up higher once again, spreading a
cloud of sparks on high to rise among the leaves and tinge the broad
branches with a ruddy golden glow.

I gazed in all directions for the danger, and started with nervous
trepidation every time the doctor spoke, his words being
generally--"Throw on more wood." But at last, after a terrible period
of anxious silence, he whispered my name.

"Yes," I said.

"This can't go on much longer. I'm afraid the beast is coming nearer.
Can you see anything your side?"

"Yes--no--yes, I think so," I whispered back. "There's a shadowy
something just at the edge of the light. I think it is some kind of
wild beast."

"Is it the dog?" he whispered back.

"No," I said. "Gyp always sleeps close to his master."

"Do you think you could take steady aim at it, my lad?" he said.

"I don't know," I replied, "but I will try. Shall I fire at it?"

"Let me think," he answered. "I don't know whether it would be wise to
fire, and perhaps only wound the creature."

"But perhaps I shall kill it," I said.

"It is doubtful, Joe," he replied, "and the noise of your piece would
bring out our people, perhaps into danger. Let us wait. Here," he
said, "I have it! This beast has been cautiously following us round,
always keeping out of our sight. I think now that the best way will be
for you to continue the retreat round the fire while I stop here on one
knee. The beast will then follow you, and I shall get a good certain
shot at him."

I did not like the idea at all, for it seemed like setting a trap and
making me the bait; but I said nothing beyond intimating that I would do
as he wished, and he went on:

"I shall be certain to hit the brute, but I may not kill, so be ready to
fire in turn; you will get a good chance for a sure hit, the animal will
be less cautious."

"Stop a moment," I said. "I thought at fi