contrasted with the sordid life he had left an hour before that
he was spellbound. The very animal smell of the coon
seemed to make his fibre tingle. His eyes were glowing
with a wild light. He was so absorbed that he did not
notice a third party attracted by the unusual noise of the
chase, but the dog did. A sudden, loud challenge called
all attention to a stranger on the ridge behind the camp.
There was no mistaking the bloated face and white
moustache of Rolf's uncle.

"So, you young scut! that is how you waste your time.
I'll larn ye a lesson."

The dog was tied, the Indian looked harmless, and the
boy was cowed, so the uncle's courage mounted high. He
had been teaming in the nearby woods, and the blacksnake
whip was in his hands. In a minute its thong was
lapped, like a tongue of flame, around Rolf's legs. The
boy gave a shriek and ran, but the man followed and
furiously plied the whip. The Indian, supposing it was Rolf's
father, marvelled at his method of showing affection, but
said nothing, for the Fifth Commandment is a large one
in the wigwam. Rolf dodged some of the cruel blows, but
was driven into a corner of the rock. One end of the lash
crossed his face like a red-hot wire.

"Now I've got you!" growled the bully.

Rolf was desperate. He seized two heavy stones and
hurled the first with deadly intent at his uncle's head.