Jack could hear the thundering approach of the big creature, and he could feel the tremor of the ground as the brute came nearer. He fancied he could see the big bulk in the air over him.
Then there sounded a sharp crack, followed by a thud, and the black shape seemed to pass to one side. There was a shock as a big body hit the ground, a great crashing among the bushes, and Jack opened his eyes to see the buck lying dead a few feet away from him.
Then he saw something else. It was Will, running toward him, a smoking rifle in his hands.
“Are you—are you all right?” asked Will, his voice trembling.
“Yes,” said Jack, hardly able to speak, because of the reaction of the shock through which he had just passed. “I’m all right. Did you shoot the buck?”
“I—I guess so,” replied Will with a nervous laugh. “I aimed my rifle at him and pulled the trigger, anyhow.”
Jack went over to the big body, that had not ceased quivering.
“Right through the heart,” he said, as he saw where the bullet had gone in. “Bill, you saved my life!”