"That's right, keep it up. Don't stop. Make faces at him, make believe you're going to jump at——-"
"Say, anybody would think this were a game of croquet and that I was trying to make the other fellow miss the wicket. Don't you think——-"
"I'm trying to get you to attract his attention——-"
"I don't want to attract his attention. I want the beast to look the other way," wailed the fat boy. "I want to get out of here."
"Well, why haven't you?"
"I dassent."
While carrying on this conversation with his chum, Tad was watching the cat narrowly. The animal was showing signs of greater excitement now. The boy decided that the beast was preparing to jump one way or another—-which way was a matter of some concern to both boys at that particular instant.
The cat took two long paces in Stacy's direction. Stacy emitted the most blood-curdling yell Tad had ever heard. It served Butler's very purpose. The beast halted with one hind foot poised in the air, glaring at Stacy, who was howling more lustily than ever.
Swish!
Tad's lariat shot through the air. His aim was true, his hand steady and cool.