“Which is Bob?” whispered Vasco to Noddy.
“That one right at the foot of the big palm tree,” replied Noddy Nixon, pointing out the banker’s son.
“Is everything ready?” the leader of the Mexicans asked.
“All ready!” replied Noddy.
Vasco was about to steal forward, hoping to be able to grab up Bob and make off with him before the camp was aroused. In case of resistance, he had given his men orders to shoot.
But at that instant a big jaguar, driven wild with hunger, and braving all danger, had crept to within a few feet of Jerry. The animal smelled the meat of the recently killed deer, the carcass of which hung in a tree. The fierce beast determined to get a meal at all hazards. It crouched on the limb of a tree, just above Jerry’s head, ready for a spring at the body of the deer.
Jerry happened to glance up. He saw the long, lithe body, tense for a leap, the reddish-green eyes glaring at him. Jerry was not a coward, but the sight of the brute, so dangerous and so close to him, scared him greatly for a second or two. Then, recovering his nerve, he raised the rifle, took quick aim and fired three shots in rapid succession.
With a snarl and roar the jaguar toppled to the ground, tearing up the earth and leaves in a death struggle.
“What’s the matter?” called out the professor.
“Are you hurt, Jerry?” cried Ned.