An instant later came the report heard by the Rovers and John
Barrow.
The shot was almost a deadly one, not alone for two of the wolves, but
also for Jasper Grinder, who was not expecting the gun to go off. The
piece was loaded with buckshot, which tore through the sides of two of
the beasts, and then passed upward into the tree-branches, taking the
former school-teacher in the left shoulder.
"I'm shot!" gasped Jasper Grinder, and almost fell from his perch. But
he managed to save himself, and hung in a crotch, weak and almost
helpless, the blood flowing freely and dripping to the ground, where the
wolves licked it up eagerly. A few had retreated at the report of the
gun, but now all came back, snarling and yelping more wildly than ever.
It must be confessed that Jasper Grinder's position was truly
unfortunate. The loss of blood was fast rendering him unconscious, and
he was in mortal terror of dropping down and being devoured.
"Help!" he called feebly. "Help! For the love of Heaven, help me!"
Just as his senses were leaving him he heard a distant cry, and looking
in that direction, saw John Barrow and Dick approaching, followed by Tom
and Sam.
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