"You must have hurt her."

"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."

He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should
it hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to
fire.

"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.

Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"No matter who I am. Put down that rock!"

"What business is it of yours?"

"I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty."

Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion
to back him up, and retorted: "You'd better clear out of here, or I may
fire at you."

"Do it if you dare!" said Gilbert, quietly.

Peter concluded that it would be wiser not to carry out his threat, but
was resolved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again,
and took aim; but Gilbert rushed in, and striking his arm forcibly,