As the report rang out Jack seized Joe and pulled him away.
A cry of joy escaped his lips.
The unconscious boy was free from the monster.
But at the same time the report of the revolver had extinguished the match, and Jack did not know whether he had killed the creature or not.
A furious thrashing on the ground told him he had not, although he judged that it was in the throes of death.
Lighting another match, he started forward to find a place of safety.
A few steps and he discovered a huge rock, which was flat on top.
Exerting all his strength, he lifted Joe upon it and then clambered up himself.
It was no easy task for him to do so, as the top of the rock was over six feet high.
But fear lent him strength, and he succeeded in getting up in a hurry.