The howling continued.
The girls screamed. Mrs. Maguire tried to calm them.
"I believe I may have touched him," admitted Russ, not a little proudly. "There was a big charge of shot in that cartridge, and it probably scattered. He can't be badly hurt though, but it may make him go serenade someone else. We've had enough."
The howls grew fainter, and there was a crashing in the bushes and tree limbs that told of the retreat of some creature. Finally these sounds ceased, and once more there was silence and darkness, illuminated only by the lantern and the faint glow of the smudge-fire.
"Do you really think it's gone?" asked Ruth faintly, as she nestled closer to her sister and Mrs. Maguire.
"I hope so," ventured Alice.
"I guess we've heard the last of it," Russ assured them. "But don't worry. We'll be on the watch the rest of the night. I wish we could have a fire; but I'm afraid it's out of the question."
"Let's try, anyhow," suggested Paul. "It will give us something to do. I'm cold and stiff. Maybe we can find a bit of dry wood."
"It is chilly," complained Ruth, and she shivered. The night was cold and damp.
Nor were the piece of canvas and the raincoats much protection. Still, it was better than nothing.