"I'VE COT HIM." 



the way, and the kick was so tremendous that Bob's foot shol upward, lifting him 

 clear off the ground, and dropping him on his back with a resounding thump. 



Dick Brownell sank down, so overcome with mirth that, for the moment, he 

 could hardly stand. 



I am sorry to say that Bob lost his temper, though 1 think that you or I would 

 have done the same if in his situation. He brought his gun to his shoulder with 

 the intention of shooting the animal that was having such sport at his expense. 



Before he could aim, however, Dick sprang up, and, grasping the barrel, turned 

 it aside. 



'"They only mean it for fun, and we won't shoot them unless we have to,"* said 

 he, quoting the remark Bob made only a minute before. 



" But this is carrying a joke too far," growled his cousin; " how are we going to 

 get our hats without shooting the thieves ? And, if we have got to shoot them, 

 what's the use of waiting ? " 



" You have read the story of the trader, who went to sleep under a tree with a 

 lot of caps beside him, and, when he awoke, found that a number of monkeys had 

 stolen them all, and were frolicking among the branches of the trees overhead." 



"What did he do?" 



" He chased them till he got mad, and then spitefully threw down the only hat 

 he had left. The monkeys did the same, and he got back all his property." 



" And you propose that we try the scheme ? " 



"Yes." 



" How can we do it, when we haven't a hat left ? " 



"Almost anything will answer. I'll fling down my knife as though I am dis- 

 gusted, which is the fact, and may be they will do the same with our hats." 



Drawing his large knife from the belt at his waist, Dick slammed it on the 

 ground, while the two watched to see its effect on the baboons. 



The spotted animal kept his distance, and made no motion by way of imitating 

 the action. The smaller one, that had removed Bob's hat, ran nimbly forward, as 

 if he intended to lay the trophy at the foot of Dick. 



Such, however, was not his purpose. He meant to secure possession of the 

 knife also. 



But he was just a bit too eager. He ventured so close that, before he could 

 withdraw, Dick had seized him by the arm. 



The captive emitted a number of sharp screams, and began biting and scratch- 

 ing with such fierceness that Dick administered a couple of sound cuffs and allowed 

 him to scamper off, though not until he had regained his prize. 



The other baboons uttered similar cries, and danced about in such excitement 

 that it looked as if they were about to attack the youth who had laid violent hands 

 on one of their number. 



The quick release of the captive, however, averted that unpleasant turn of affairs. 



"There*" exclaimed Dick, catching up the hat and throwing it toward hit 

 cousin, " 1 got your property for you, and you ought to get mine for me." 



