They could not close the door of the camp.

The whole structure had lurched to one side, and several sheets of bark had fallen from the light frame.

Billy wanted to rush out and run, but his comrade, fearful lest the panther should chase them, held him back.
Now for the first time it occurred to Joe that he might divert the creature's attention by throwing out some of the dead martens.

Cutting one of them loose, he slung it as far as he could into the woods.
Immediately the panther stole forward, seized the carcass of the little animal in its mouth and ran off.

But before long it returned, and then Joe threw out a second marten, which the panther carried off.