her head.

At that moment the telephone rang. Ruth was nearest and she jumped
up and answered the call. At the other end of the wire an excited
female voice demanded:

"Is this Snow Camp?"

"Yes," replied Ruth, "it is."

"Mr. Cameron's camp?"

"Yes. But he is not in the house just now."

"Aren't any of your men-folks there?" queried the excited voice.

"I guess most of the men are drawing in logs for the fires," said
Ruth. "What is the matter?"

"I want to warn you all to look out for the panther. It is supposed
to be coming your way--towards Snow Camp. The beast has just killed a
pig for us, and was frightened away. It's done other damage to-day
among the neighbors' cattle. Do you hear me?"

"Oh, I hear you!" cried Ruth, and then held her hand over the
mouthpiece and spoke to the other girls: "That panther--that
catamount!" she cried. "It is supposed to be coming this way. Where
is your father, Helen? And Long Jerry Todd?"