"We have to wait a few minutes, while Paul and Mr. Switzer go through their parts," said Ruth. "Then we'll go over."
"All right," Alice said. "Oh, but isn't it perfectly heavenly out here? I just love it at Elk Lodge!"
"So do I, dear! Hark! What was that?"
A sound came from the bushes behind them—a growling, menacing sound, and as they heard it the girls drew together in fright.
"It—it's some animal!" gasped Ruth. "Oh, Alice!"
"Look. There it is! It's going to spring at us!" cried the younger girl and with trembling finger she pointed to a crouching beast not far away. Its eyes gleamed balefully, and with sharp switchings of its tail it glared at the girls, ready to spring.
The moving picture girls were faint with fear, and too frightened to shout for help. But suddenly a voice behind them called:
"Don't be afraid! Stand still. I'm going to shoot!"
The next moment a shot rang out. The beast quivered and then whirled in its death struggle, while strong arms reached through the floating powder smoke, and pulled Ruth and Alice back, and out of danger.