"Did you walk all the way?"
"I may have hurried a little,--that is, a part of the way. I would have turned round and let him have my foot under the jaw, but I was afeard my shoe would give out."
Meanwhile, the two boys walked softly to the front window of Tom's bedroom, and cautiously peered out.
"Sh! I b'lieve I see him," whispered the young host.
"Where?" asked his companion in the same guarded manner.
"Under the oak; he's standing still just now. There! he's creeping off toward the woodshed."
"Yes, that's him! that's him! I know it. Hadn't you better let me take a shot?"
"I can shoot as well as you."
Tom was right. He was looking upon the royal Bengal tiger and no mistake. He had halted under a large oak, standing on the other side of the road, and seemed to be debating with himself what he should do next.
The rattle of a coming wagon attracted his attention, and he crouched down, as if preparing to spring upon the driver and his animals.