"I--I--there is something in the tree!" And then, raising his gun, Phil banged away blindly.
The echo of the shot was followed by an unearthly scream from the tree, and Phil and Dave saw the wild animal slip down from a branch and then try to regain its footing.

Then Dave caught up one of the rifles and blazed away, and the beast dropped to the ground, where it twisted and snarled and yelped in a fashion that served to drive the horses frantic.
"What's going on ?" cried Roger, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"Who is shooting ?" And he got up and felt around in a haphazard manner for a gun.
"Wild animal outside--I don't know what it is," answered Dave.
Roger joined the others, and blazed away at the beast, and more snapping and snarling followed.

The animal rolled clear over the fire, scattering the burning brands in all directions.

Then it rolled among the horses.