become necessary for him
to fire. But then, it was very important, Thad thought, that they keep
the lantern intact; and of course he had never been alongside Aleck in
action, so he could not tell just what sort of coolness the other
would display when a time of excitement arrived.

Besides, when one is perfectly at home with a gun, it is possible to
shoot without ever raising the weapon to the shoulder. Instinct takes
the place of aim on such an occasion; some people call it "shooting
from the hip," and that would be as good a designation for the method
of pulling a hasty trigger, as any other.

Of course, they kept close together. This was rendered necessary by
the narrowness of the fissure, even had not their personal wishes in
the matter forced the two lads to touch elbows.

They strained their eyes as they slowly advanced, looking ahead most of
the time, yet not neglecting to also observe the walls as they passed.

And already Thad was beginning to notice a peculiarly marked streak
here and there, that had a rather dingy, black look, and which he
strongly suspected might, on investigation, prove to be the
outcropping of the marvelous ore of silver, which, further on had been
revealed to the startled eyes of the prospector, years ago, doubtless
causing him to blink, and pinch himself, under the belief that he must
be only indulging in a maddening dream, such as all of his class are
visited with from time to time.

But before they could pay the slightest attention to these things it
became absolutely necessary that they find out the truth about that
wolf business. And as they pushed steadily inward they were constantly
on the alert for the first sign that would give warning of danger.

"I heard something like a growl, then!" whispered Aleck, suddenly.

"Sure thing," answered the other, steadily; "and we ought to get a
sight of the animal's eyes, quick enough now. Look for twin fires,
that burn like phosphorus in the dark. And hold your gun on them as
soon as you sight them, but don't shoot till I give the word, unless
the beast charges us."

Ten seconds later, another and different sound came to their strained
hearing.

"Cubs whining, as I live!" ejaculated Thad, half under his breath.

"Then it's a she wolf?" said the other.

"I reckon it is," the scoutmaster answered.

"But what are you waiting for, Thad?" Aleck demanded; "I suppose that
makes it a tougher proposition; but now I've come this far, I've