only friend in this emergency.

One thing helped him. The big yellow hound had been startled, first by
the crash of the gun so close to his head, and then again by the rapid
downward plunge of the human figure.

Perhaps some dim recollection of former beatings at the hands of some
severe master may also have temporarily demoralized the brute.

At any rate Jerry was given just about five seconds to turn the corner,
and thus place the tree between himself and his enemy.

Then the dog bounded forward, and a warm chase began around that same
tree, with Jerry doing his prettiest to keep beyond reach of those
gleaming fangs that pressed closely in his rear.

In this he managed fairly well, but after he had pranced around that tree
quite a dozen times he made the alarming discovery that he was rapidly
being winded. His canine adversary, on the other hand, appeared to be as
fresh as ever.

Unless something occurred to assist him, it began to look very much as
though he might trip after growing dizzy, and the big yellow brute
pounce upon him.

Then a sudden thought came into his mind. It was like an inspiration,
and made Jerry laugh right out. Why, of course his gun, what was he
gripping it all this time so desperately for if not because he believed
it worth while.

He tried to remember whether he had fired one shot or two after reloading
it. So confused had he become with all this turning round and round that
he could not be absolutely sure. But there was nothing for him to do but
take chances.

He felt to see if one of the hammers might be up, and found the left one
drawn back. That seemed promising, for if he had fired both barrels the
hammers must naturally be down.

It might be only imagination, but he believed he could actually feel the
hot breath of the pursuing beast on his legs as he twisted around that
tree so awkwardly. With a prayer in his heart, though his lips were
mute, he suddenly whirled, thrust out the gun, and pulled the trigger.

Fortune was certainly with him that day. The dog viciously seized hold of
the gun barrel in his teeth; and it was just at this instant that Jerry
pressed the trigger.

He saw the big beast swirl half-way around. Then he fell in a
quivering heap.

"Hurrah!"

It was but a pitiful shout poor Jerry gave, for he was quite out of
breath. He, too, fell down in a heap close to the yellow form of his
enemy; but instinctively his hands worked, trying to place his faithful
g