“For food or enemy,” said Shaddy in his deep growl.
“But that’s what I meant to do. I thought I had loaded that way,” said Rob.
“Hah—hoo!” ejaculated one of the Indians who was standing with his arms full of wood close to the spot where the jaguar had disappeared.
“What’s the matter, my lad?” said Shaddy, joining him with the others, when an eager burst of conversation ensued.
“They say as the tiger’s lying wounded not far in among the trees. Bring your guns, gentlemen.”
The pieces were eagerly raised and cartridges examined, so that there should be no further mistake, and then, with the Indian who was knocked down as a guide, Brazier next with Shaddy, who contented himself with his knife, and then Rob and Joe and the rest of the Indians, the party entered the forest, which was so dense that they soon had to take to Indian file.
But they had not far to go, and in spite of the danger that might be ahead the leading Indian proved that Shaddy’s selection was a good one, for he went straight on, cutting right and left with his heavy knife to divide the growth that was in their way, and so on for about fifty yards, when he stopped short and said a few words to Shaddy.
“Yes. Get back,” said the latter, after listening. “Now two guns forward; but I think he has had enough as it is?”
“Be careful, man!” said Brazier anxiously; “you are unarmed.”
“Not quite, sir!” said Shaddy, showing his big knife. “If he jumps on me he’ll jump right on to that point, and if he does, though he may claw me, it will be his last leap. Silence!”