His whispered words were for the old hunter, whom he knew was always alert.
"Andy! Your rifle!"
The brown claw of the old hunter was never far from the grip of his gun when he lay before a campfire. Jack saw the hand clamp upon the weapon even before Sudds rolled over.
"What's up, Jack?" he whispered.
"Behind Wash—quick!"
No need to tell the hunter to be quick. He was on his knees and the gun was at his shoulder in the twinkling of an eye.
"Come here, Wash—quick!" ejaculated Jack, with sudden inspiration, and the darkey, used to obeying orders without question, scrambled up and started toward the boy.
With a roar that brought every other person save the old hunter to his feet, the huge bear swung both front paws to grab the negro. Wash escaped the embrace by the breadth of a hair.
Bang! spoke Andy Sudds' rifle.
"Gollyation! I'se done shot!" bawled the darkey, and sprang into Jack's arms.