Sunset Ranch: A Story of a Boy's Adventures in the West — page 198: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

186 The Gray-Coated Pirate. “‘He’s in the timber,” ventured Cuthbert. eres: “And not far away.” Karl jumped up. | “We forgot the antelopes. The critter smells the fresh blood and he’s making that way.” Cuthbert laughed. “That settles it. No true-born American could lie quiet and allow a miserable thief to rob him of the fruits of his labor. We must sally forth and in- terview Mr. Panther.” Although he spoke so lightly, he realized that such an undertaking was not child’s play—that it was full of danger. As the thing was now settled, Karl proceeded to make ready for business. He went about it very quietly, as though it were a journey ahead, for which certain preparations must be made. The Winchester was handed to Cuthbert with in- structions to make sure it was in perfect order, with plenty of cartridges in the reservoir, since there could be no telling how many shots would be needed to complete the tragedy. Meanwhile Karl found several light wood torches that would serve as a means of illumination, at the same time protecting the boys from an attack, since, in common with other wild animals of the feline species, a panther has a peculiar dread of fire. This was the sum total of their preparations for the expected battle. Several of the cowboys who were awake watched Karl, knowing what was in the wind. They made a few suggestions, based upon past experience but did not offer to accompany the young hunters, know- ing Karl so well, and that he was well able to look out for both himself and the friend in his charge. Together the boys left camp. conniclooolkks.comnn