shriek that was entirely different from anything else, broke upon their
startled ears.

In spite of all their boasted self command, Steve, Owen, as well as Max,
Toby and Bandy-legs scrambled to their feet, and looked at each other
speechlessly, while their faces certainly took on a degree of pallor
that was remarkable, considering how red were the flames of the fire
that tried to paint their cheeks a rosy hue.




CHAPTER IV.

THE SUDDEN AWAKENING.


"Oh! what do you suppose that was?" demanded Bandy-legs, his voice
quivering.

"It might have been a wild-cat," suggested Owen, cautiously, as if
trying to recall just what he had read about the cries of these animals,
when roaming the woods at night.

"Mebbe it was an owl!" remarked Toby, actually forgetting to stammer in
his new alarm.

"Max, whatever do you think?" asked Steve, turning on the boy he
addressed; for if any one could know it ought to be Max.