Page:Young Hunters of the Lake.djvu/221

Rh "Dead as a door nail," announced the small youth, after an examination.

"I think that wildcat came from yonder hole in the rocks," said Snap, pointing to the opening in question.

"If he did there may be more of them there," answered Whopper. "How can we find out?"

"Might go up, ring the doorbell, and ask," suggested Snap, with a grin.

"Excuse me, I don't want to walk into any wild-cat's hotel," was Whopper's answer. "I heard of a fellow who did that once, and when he came out he was still on the inside."

"Still on the inside?" repeated Jed Sanborn.

"Yes—inside the wildcats," and this answer made the old hunter roar loudly.

"Let us throw rocks into the opening," suggested Giant, and began to do as he had suggested. They heard a growl, but no wildcats showed themselves.

"I'll throw a firebrand in," said Jed Sanborn, and cut a dry cedar bough. "Stand ready to shoot, if anything shows itself."

With interest the boys watched the old hunter prepare his firebrand and light it. Then he swung it into a lively blaze, let fly, and sent it whirling into the hollow among the rocks.