Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/292

 "A shrill whistle from the concealed marauders saved this waste of cartridges, however. Evidently the foe grew suspicious at the noise made by the dogs and believed we were poisoning them. The whistle caused the brutes to stop their yelping and turn towards the jungle. A repetition of it had them wavering, and the third call sent them all scurrying off in a bunch.

"‘Now look sharp!' cried Tib. 'White head and white flanks! Through the body, you know, to jar that stuff into action. Ah, the white head leads the pack!'

"Bang! Bang! The Englishman and I fired together, and the white-faced dog howled in agony and rolled over.

"Then, bang! boom! And Tib's shot struck him full in the stomach and sent a cloud of dust and twigs heavenward, while the other pups paused in dismay at beholding such extraordinary behavior in a companion. As to the white-head himself, he had disappeared in fine particles.

"‘Quick!' gasped Tib. 'White flanks! Side to us!'

"Danby pinked him as if it were at target-practice, and as white flanks was loaded the heavier of all, his departure was simply a volcano.

"‘Had the inspiration when I happened to sit down on the dynamite. Bless the agent for giving it to me!' murmured Tib, exultantly.