was but a prelude to the storm; that the animals were stalking their
prey; that gleaming eyes were watching his slightest movement, and that
keen white fangs were bared, ready to tear him to pieces.

Not for an instant did he abate his watchfulness, and ere long he
beheld savage eyes, glowing like fiery balls, peering out of the night.
Nearer and nearer they drew, until the forms of the animals could be
dimly discerned. Then he brought the rifle to his shoulder, took
careful aim, and fired. Instantly a sharp yell split the darkness,
followed by fierce, snarling sounds, which plainly told that the fallen
brute was being devoured by its ravenous companions.

So quickly had all this taken place that before Keith had time for a
second shot, or even to throw out the empty shell and drive a loaded
one home, a huge beast sprang full upon him from the left.
Instinctively he leaped aside, and the wolf, missing his prey, landed
upon the fire only a short distance away. A cry of mingled pain and
rage ensued as the creature's feet touched the hot coals. Then
followed a scattering of sticks as the animal shot out of the fire and
bounded off into the depths of the forest.

So sudden was the attack, and unexpected the deliverance, that Keith
stared in amazement. Then a smile passed over his face at the thought
of the wolf's surprise, and the spectacle of his hurried retreat. His
merriment, however, was of short duration. There was stern work still
ahead.

So intent was he on peering into the darkness after the fleeing form
that he did not notice another large brute slinking stealthily up on
his right. With a snarl it sprang straight at him, and before Keith
could lift a hand in self-defence he staggered back, tripped over a
twig, and fell heavily to the ground. With one hand he seized the wolf
by the throat with a vise-like grip, while with the other he endeavored
in vain to draw forth his hunting knife.

At this critical moment the dog, which up to this time had presented
the appearance of abject terror, aroused suddenly to action. It rushed
upon the wolf like the incarnation of fury, and sinking its teeth into
the monster's side began to tear the quivering flesh.

Assailed from this new quarter, the wolf tried to turn back upon the
dog. This effort partly relieved the weight from Keith's body and
enabled him to grip the handle of his trusty knife. It took but an
instant to rip it from its sheath and plunge the ke