And the giant by his side reached forth a hand to push him back, as he growled, "Shut up and get out of the way! This here's my fight!" At the movement the wild beast seemed to understand that the newcomer was there to rob him of his prey.

With a snarl, it crouched low again, gathering its muscles for the spring.

The giant waited.

Suddenly the sharp crack of a rifle rang out on the still night, echoing and echoing along the mountain.
The panther leaped, but fell short.

The startled men on the rock saw it threshing the ground in its death struggle.
"That was a lucky shot for you," said Ollie.
"Lucky for me," repeated Young Matt slowly, eyeing his well dressed companion; "Well, yes, I reckon it was." "Who fired it ?" The big fellow shook his head in a puzzled way.
Stewart looked surprised.