They were all half crouching there, with nervous hands clutching their guns.
“That’s what it is,” said Allan, with decision in his voice and manner. “A wolf would be too much of a coward to stay so long. And listen closely, boys.”
“Wow! I can hear the old cat growling to himself,” said Giraffe.
Thad felt his comrade make a hasty little move. Then his quick ear caught the click of a gun lock.
“Here, none of that, Giraffe,” he whispered, sternly.
“But he might jump on us!” expostulated the tall scout.
“How about that, Allan?” asked the patrol leader, who did not like the idea of such a happening any more than Giraffe.
“I don’t think he will, if we keep back,” replied Allan, coolly; “that is, if I know anything about the nature of the beasts; and I ought to. He objects to our being in his game preserves, that’s all, and is trying to serve notice on us the best he knows how, that he’s cleared the decks for action, and means to fight, unless we turn around and quit.”
“The nerve of the thing!” muttered Giraffe, weakly.
“How about going around, and letting the old thing alone?” suggested Step Hen.