“Bad cess to ye!” he muttered, and drew quick aim.
Crack!
Another bullet struck the puma. But the animal had already made its spring. Straight for the covert of its human foe it shot.
Captain Nicodemus saw that his life hung in the balance. He did not shirk the responsibility.
It was a momentous occasion.
He raised himself and took cool and steady aim. If his bullet hit the mark he would stop the beast. If not—then the worst might happen.
It was a moment of brief suspense. All his nerves were on the qui vive. Then he fired.
Crack-ack!
Two reports blended in one, for Barney fired at the same moment. One moment the puma was in mid-air, then fell, turning a dozen somersaults.
When it ceased its terrific death struggle the two hunters ventured to approach it. A more ferocious beast could not be imagined.