"But the creature isn't here yet," Ruth said, doubtfully.
"How do you know how fast he's traveling?" returned Helen, quickly.
"But think of the boys down there skating," said her chum.
"Oh, oh!" gasped Jennie. "If that panther eats them up they'll be more than well paid for spoiling our taffy."
"Hush, Jennie!" commanded Madge. "This is no time for joking. How are we going to warn them—and the men in the woods?"
"And father?" cried Helen Cameron.
"Oh, I wouldn't dare go out!" gasped Belle Tingley.
But Ruth ran out into the big kitchen and opened the door. The outbuildings were not far away, but not a soul appeared about them. There seemed to be a brooding silence over the whole place. The men were so deep in the woods that she could not hear a sound from them; nor was the ring of skates on the pond apparent to her ear.
"Come back, Ruth! come back!" begged her chum, who had followed her.
"Suppose that beast should be hiding near?"
"I don't suppose he's within a mile of the camp," said Ruth, her voice unshaken. "There are all the guns in the hall—even the little shotguns. I don't suppose the men have a gun with them, and of course the boys have not. And both parties should be warned. I'm going——"