“It is our last resource. Poor old Dobbin must die!” and the young man sighed.
At that moment the old horse whinnied.
“It seems as if he knew what we were talking about,” said Tom.
“That will last us some time,” remarked Grant, with renewed hope.
“Yes; I suppose the poor old fellow won’t be very tender, but it is the only way he can serve us now. We can cook up quite a supply while the meat is fresh, and take it with us. It will give us a new lease of life, and something may happen before that supply is exhausted.”
Tom consulted his father and mother, who, though at first startled, decided that it was the only thing to be done.
And so poor Dobbin’s fate seemed to be sealed!
CHAPTER XIII.
THE SOLITARY CABIN.
When they rose the next morning, all looked serious. Each felt that the crisis had come. All eyes were turned upon poor old Dobbin, who, unconscious of his danger, was browsing near the camp.
“Grant,” said Tom suddenly, “let us give Dobbin a small lease of life.”