The wolf, wounded in the left flank, had suddenly appeared.

His eyes blazed with pain and fury, and he made as if to spring upon the boys.
Tom was in front of the sled and Sam behind it.

With a quick leap Tom cleared the load and took up a position beside the youngest Rover.
The wolf made the leap, but stopped short on the top of the load.

As he prepared to spring again Tom swung his gun around by the barrel and hit the wolf a smart rap on the head.

The animal rolled over on the ground.
"Shoot him, Sam!" "I will, if I can!" came from Sam, who had now unslung his gun.