"The scent of that duck must have brought the ugly beast skulking around," said Bob.
"Do you think it will come back?"
"If it does, we'll give it a warmer welcome than it ever got before."
"A wildcat is a pretty ugly creature outside of a cage," observed Dick Travers. "I didn't know that they let out such awful yells."
With considerable apprehension, they gazed at the dark line of forest, half expecting that the savage animal would reappear.
"We must build a big fire," declared Bob; "that may keep the brute away."
Tired as the boys were, they set to work with a will. Fortunately, a plentiful supply of wood was near at hand, and, as all hands took part, a roaring fire was soon sending a great circle of light over the surroundings.
"Boys, we will have to take turns on guard," said Bob. "It would never do to let his lordship come back and find us all asleep."
"Never!" echoed Tom, with a shudder.
"If Hackett was only here to protect us," observed Dave Brandon.