The next second a yellow body alighted on the spot where Cromer had stood.
“Curse your yellow hide!” yelled the mad hunter, as with uplifted rifle he bounded upon the animal. “I’ll teach you how to interfere with my business.”
The rifle descended, the panther received the blow on his head, and staggered back with an almost human groan.
With a glance at the Indians, the trader sprung over the stunned brute, and rejoined his friends.
“Now for life!” said Webb. “This delay may prove dangerous.”
The words had scarcely left his lips when the forest resounded with rifle-shots, and Clearwater dropped over a fallen sapling.
The Destroyer darted to her side and raised her up.
A stream of blood gushed from her mouth, and all at once she threw her arms about his neck, completely depriving him of his balance. He went to the ground beneath the wounded girl, and Doc Cromer and Silver Rifle sprung to his aid.
The trader jerked the Indian loose, and then leaped forward, with an oath.
The savages were upon them!