Scarcely had the words left his lips, when the panther made a fierce leap and landed directly at the feet of the astonished pair. The beast was evidently very hungry, or it would not have attacked human beings in this semi-light of the early dawn.
Full of fear, Carwell staggered back, with his smoking rifle still in his hand.
The panther growled and switched its tail from side to side. The rifle shot had filled it with wonder, and it did not know what to do next.
"Be careful—he is going to take another leap!" cried the young captain.
He was right; the panther was now preparing for another spring. Before Carwell could get out of the way, the beast came on, pinning the private to the earth.
As Carwell went down the whole camp roused up, and the second guard came up on the double quick.
"What's up, captain?" he sang out.
"Shoot the panther!" answered the young officer. "Quick, or you'll be too late. Don't hit Carwell."
Crack! the rifle spoke up, and the beast was hit fairly and squarely in the side. At this it let out a blood-curdling scream of pain. It had caught Carwell by the arm, but now it released its hold.
"A panther!" roared one of the old soldiers. "And a big one. Git your guns, boys! He aint no beast to fool with, I can tell you that!"