And walking thus, it passed about a rod to the left of Teddy, who cautiously raised his gun and took aim.
What better opportunity was possible? It was so close that he could have tossed his hat upon it, and was turned broad-side toward him. If he could stand a shot then, surely he was invulnerable to powder and bullet.
The hunter aimed directly behind the fore leg—that spot which is the vital one to the most dreaded animal, and through which the messenger of death makes his way without challenge. He waited until the foot was thrust forward, and his aim was absolutely certain.
The next instant his piece was discharged.
“Thar! be the Virgin, if that doesn’t fotch yees—”
Heavens! what did he hear and see?
He heard that same bark-like cry that had first caught his ear, and saw the brute coming straight toward him!
Flesh and blood could not stand it; and with a howl of terror, Teddy broke in a run for the camp. A few furious bounds carried him to the bottom of the ridge, when his bad luck overtook him.
Glancing back, he saw the dreadful beast close upon him, galloping along like the cat, when frolicking with its prey. The load upon the back of the fugitive made him somewhat awkward in his movements, and he stumbled and fell flat upon his face. Ere he could rise, his foe was upon him!