Frank stooped down, and catching hold of one of the dead animal's hind legs, started dragging it toward the fire.
"Hold on there," said Andy; "don't tell me we're going to have a steak off that old cat? I can stand for a good deal, but I'd go hungry a long time before I'd eat any of him!"
"Don't worry about that," laughed Frank. "But think what a bully old rug his hide will make some day. I'm going to try and take it off, if I can, while you're getting breakfast in the morning. It's worth while."
Andy looked as though he doubted the ability of his chum to accomplish the feat; but then he was counting without his host; for when the chance came Frank deftly removed the pelt, and kept it for a reminder of his hazardous shot.
Andy insisted on taking his turn at playing guard, when he found out what time it was. First of all Frank saw that the fire was revived, with plenty of fuel handy. Then, after giving his chum a few last instructions, he consented to lie down. But his sleep could not have been very sound, for frequently he would raise his head, and take a look around; seeing nothing suspicious he would again lie down.
So the night passed away.
Frank was on deck an hour and more before the dawn came. He felt too anxious concerning the possibilities of the coming day to sleep much.
So Andy started to get breakfast, such as it was, before the night had really gone. He excused himself by saying that while he was not at all hungry, the operation had to be gone through with, and the sooner he was at it the quicker they might be free to mount upward.
Frank knew what a terrific load was on his chum's mind, and how he thrilled with suspense, now that they were so near the realization of his highest hopes or worst fears.
And so he too set to work to remove the jaguar skin, for it would make a pretty decent rug, if it could be properly preserved.