This announcement expressed the feelings of the rest of the bandits, yet what to do, they did not know.
And as they stood, in helpless perplexity, the brute itself solved their dilemma.
As its wicked little eyes beheld the figures of the intruders in its retreat, the monster reared on its hind legs, and with a roar, deafening because of the narrow confines of the cave, charged at them, laying about it viciously with its herculean paws.
In panic, the outlaws fled before it.
But the rock side of the den checked them.
Came a mighty swish and Comanche Tony fell, dropped by the clawless paws of the monster.
And, in a trice, the bear stood over its unconscious victim, snarling ominously.
The peril of their pal broke the spell of terror in which the outlaws stood.
"Stab the brute! Tackle him, boys!" snapped Jesse, leaping toward the monster as he spoke.
Instantly his comrades obeyed.