Part 13 (2/2)

The animals did not become suspicious until they were less than a hundred yards away Then, of a sudden, the leader threw up his head and began to sniff the air

”Now fire,” said Benson in a low tone

At once the four rifles came up, and each hunter took steady ai captain and Benson discharged their pieces immediately after

The aim of the two older hunters was true, and two deer fell dead after going less than six steps But the other game was only wounded, Joe's deer in the side and Darry's in the flank, and they bounded away up the hillside

”Missed!” groaned Joe, and slipped another cartridge into his firearm

Darry did the sa how badly the deer ounded, they ran after the aniht for the tih the brush crashed quarry and boys until another hundred yards were covered Then, co unable to leap to the top, the deer came to a halt

”Do you see 'e

”Yes--there they are!” returned Joe ”See?”

”I do They can't get up the rocks Joe, we've got 'em after all We must shoot----Gracious!”

The boy broke off short, and with good reason The deer had spotted theht for both, as if to gore them to death!

CHAPTER XIII

A FISH AND A SNAKE

”Look out, Darry, or he'll kill you!”

”Look out for yourself, Joe!”

These cries were followed by two shots, as both the young hunters discharged their weapons But in their haste the aim of each was poor, and the bullets fleide of the mark Then the maddened deer ca as they had never run before

”Hi! what's up?” came in old Benson's voice

”The deer are after us!” yelled Joe ”Shoot 'em quick!”

Hardly had the lad spoken when he felt one of the deer close behind hied past with great vigor, considering how badly he ounded But that charge was his last, for Benson's rifle spoke up, and the animal fell lifeless where he stood

In thehis hands full with the second deer

The youth had been unable to reload, and now he found himself in a thicket, with the deer fairly on top of hiht his firear blow on the head This er back and pause

”Help! help!” yelled the boy ”So!” came in Captain Moore's voice ”Where are you?”

”Here, in the bush!+ Quick, or he'll stick me to death!”