"I'll give him a shot from my gun if he needs it," announced Roger, as he hurried forward.
"Be careful that he doesn't get at you first!" cried Dave, warningly. "If he's only slightly wounded he'll be a dangerous customer to tackle."
The other boys followed Roger, and, having reloaded his weapon, Dave followed suit. Soon all were standing close to the flat rock where the wildcat had been hit.
"Where is it?"
"I don't see him anywhere."
"Be careful, he may land on you before you know it!"
"There! There! Look yonder!" The last cry came from Luke, and at his words all turned quickly, to see the wildcat crouch between two trees growing close to the rocks. With a snarl, the beast leaped out toward them, the blood flowing from a wound along one forequarter.
Roger had the shotgun ready, and without taking time to bring the weapon to his shoulder, he pulled the trigger.
Bang! went the piece, and then, with a final leap, the wildcat sprang toward the boys, only to drop dead at their feet.
"Good! That's the way to do it!" cried Phil, enthusiastically. "That wildcat won't bother us any more."