At the first cry--the instant he comprehended what was
happening-- Phil Forrest moved every bit as quickly as had his
companion, though he leaped in the opposite direction.

All about on the ground lay tent poles of various length and
thickness, side poles, quarter poles and the short side poles
used to hold the tent walls in place. These were about twenty
feet in length and light enough to be easily handled.

With ready resourcefulness and quick comprehension, Phil pounced
upon one of these and darted toward the cage which was toppling
over in his direction.

The roof of the lion cage that housed Wallace projected over the
edge some six inches, and this had caught the keen eyes of the
lad at the first alarm. His plan had been formed in a flash.

He shot one end of the side pole up under the projecting roof,
jammed the other end into the ground, throwing his whole weight
upon the foot of the pole to hold it in place.

For an instant the tent pole bent like a bow under the pull of
the archer. It seemed as if it must surely snap under the
terrific strain.

Phil saw this, too. Now that the foot of the pole was firmly
imbedded in the ground, there was no further need for him to hold
it down. He sprang under the pole with the swaying cage directly
over him, grabbed the pole at the point where it was arching so
dangerously, and pulling himself from the ground, held to the