Thereupon the two broke into a run again, which they kept up till pretty well tired out.
They could hear Bowser baying at no great distance, and, consequently, were sure that Herbert himself was not far off.
"If we three come upon him we ought to be able to kill him without much risk to ourselves—that is, if we use any sort of care in taking aim."
"We must try and do that—hark!"
At that instant they were startled by the sharp report of a rifle, the distance and direction leaving no doubt that it was fired by Herbert Watrous.
Sam and Nick fairly turned pale, and something like a feeling of envy came over them at the belief that Herbert, after all his boasting, had succeeded in bringing down the royal game without their help.
The shot was fired so close that, as they hastened forward again, they expected to come upon the hunter and his game every minute.
"Hallo! what does that mean?"
The question was caused by the sudden appearance of Bowser, who was limping toward them in a panic of terror. At every leap he uttered a yelp, which was of pain and fear.
The boys stopped, and the hound, running up, crouched down at their feet, whining and moaning.