and having changed the lines to suit the situation, a broad smile played over his face.
"Stoop down, everybody," commanded Jim, sharply. "A herd of goats on the ledge, as sure as you're a foot high—the wind in our favor, too. By George! They're running to beat the band."
"Must be something chasing them," murmured Dick.
Havens gripped his rifle, and lay low.
A savage growl reached their ears; then a lithe, gray mountain lion appeared in view. With lashing tail, he crept steadily forward.
An old buck courageously planted himself between it and the retreating flock.
"We're going to see something now," whispered Havens, excitedly.
"Brave old codger," murmured Bob, "but he doesn't stand any show."
"Of course not," breathed Dick. "Look—the scrap begins."
With a savage snarl, the panther leaped in the air. Had the buck remained still, the cat would have landed squarely upon his back. But the grizzled old warrior sprang quickly to one side; then, with lowered head, dashed furiously at his foe.