"My camera! Who took it away from where I placed it?"

"Talk to me about that, will you! That fellow will howl after his
blooming box when he goes to cross the Styx after he dies," grunted
Jerry.

Frank had paid no attention to his comrades. His eyes were glued upon the
shadowy spot where he felt positive he had seen some creeping figure
drawing closer to the boat, inch by inch.

They heard him laugh aloud, as though something he had seen amused him.

"Was it a thief? And did you shoot him?" asked Will, appalled.

"A thief, all right; but I didn't shoot the beggar. Wish I had, now,"
responded the watch, with regret in his voice.

"Then it couldn't have been a human thief, for you'd never say that. Did
you see the critter go?" came from Jerry, as he peered forth, gun in
hand.

"I fired high on purpose, for I was afraid it might be poor old George
sneaking back to see if he could get away with any more of that fine
bacon. Whatever it was, it made a flying leap back into the shadows. I
thought I heard an angry or startled snarl, but you fellows made so much
confusion as you bounced up that I couldn't be sure."

"Jumped away, eh? Then I take it the thing must have been a bobcat," said
Jerry.