“That’s right,” added Hamp. “It’s going to attack us, too.”
“Then be ready to shoot,” warned Jerry. “I’ll give the word when the time comes.”
The brute now seemed to have stopped, though the blood-curdling wail echoed several times on the frosty air.
“I saw a catamount in Central Park once,” whispered Brick. “It was an awful-looking creature.”
Just then the unseen prowler wailed again. The boys peered anxiously at the snowy open space before the lean-to.
“No wonder the brute is bold,” exclaimed Hamp. “There’s nothing left of the fire but a couple of hot embers.”
“We must build it up right away,” declared Jerry. “Come on, you fellows. We’ll stick together.”
“But won’t the catamount jump at us?” asked Brick.
“Not while we have the lantern,” assured Jerry. “All wild animals are afraid of fire.”
The boys ventured out of the lean-to. They timidly advanced to the fireplace, which was in the center of the glade.