37 



A FRIGHTFUL OCCURRENCE. 



tnd watch and wait, with no encouraging prospect of success, as must be con- 

 fessed. The duty of passing directly over the spot where a man had been killed but a 

 few minutes before was anything but pleasant, even to such brave persons as Dick 

 and Mr. Godkin, but it seemed necessary, since there was no way of going around 

 the place, and it was too far to ride to the native village. 



Mr. Godkin told those on foot that if they feared to make the venture, they 

 need not do so ; but, when they saw the horsemen start, and probably, too, when 

 they recalled the wonderful bravery and marksmanship of the young man, they 

 showed no hesitation in following. 



All instinctively held their peace as they slowly descended the hill, but you 

 may be sure that Mr. Godkin and Dick were certain their rifles were ready for the 

 emergency, and they glanced from right to left like a couple of Indian warriors 

 approaching a hostile camp. 



The youth half wished the tiger would show herself, though he would have been 

 sorry indeed to see any member of the party lose his life ; but if the mother could 

 be put out of the way, the task of securing the kittens would be much simplified. 



