Dick Dare had no doubt that the animal in the pit with him was a panther. He judged by the growl, which was stronger than would have been the case had the animal been a wildcat.

He felt that he was indeed in a serious predicament. Had he had his pistols, or even a knife, he would have stood some chance to hold his own against the animal, but he had no weapons of any kind.

So he simply stood still, at one corner of the pit, and kept his eyes on the two balls of fire.

There was silence for a few moments, and then Dick saw the two red spots move, and he was confident they were advancing toward him, slowly but surely.

Dick guessed that the animal had likely been but a short time in the pit, and was not hungry, still he realized that he had before him a dangerous antagonist.

What should he do? What could he do? He did not feel that he could do anything, but he was tired of standing still, and so he began moving slowly along the wall, his back against it.

When he had taken a few steps, his foot struck against something, and feeling down, he found that it was a limb of a tree perhaps as large as his arm. Instantly his heart gave a leap of delight. Likely this was a limb that had been used by the person who dug the pit, to climb up out of the pit on, after shooting an animal that he had trapped, and if Dick could get the limb leaned up against the wall, he might be able to climb out, though he would likely be attacked while trying to do so.

He would try, however, and he lifted the limb, and leaned it against the wall, at the corner, and at the same moment he heard the low, menacing growl of the animal. He whirled about, quickly, and yelled “Scat,” waving his arms frantically. The animal slunk away, with a snarl of fright.

Then Dick turned, and seizing hold of the stick, began climbing with desperate energy and swiftness. He expected every moment to feel the claws of the animal, but did not, and to his delight he succeeded in reaching the top of the pit and getting out on solid ground.

He did not know how long he had been in the pit before regaining consciousness, but guessed it was not long.

He heard the growls of the animal and its footfalls as it went running around the pit, but this did not worry Dick now. He was at a point the animal could not reach, and safe from attack.

Dick stood there a few moments, listening intently. He did not hear any sounds to indicate the presence in the vicinity of any Indians, or of his friend, Ben.

Dick presently gave the signal whistle, the same as Ben had done when searching for him, and listened intently, but heard no response. Again he repeated the signal, with the same result, and he knew that Ben was not within hearing.

Dick pondered a few moments. What should he do? Which way should he go? Should he return to Peaceful Valley, or should he go on toward Ninety-Six. What would be Ben’s course?

After giving the matter considerable thought, Dick decided to continue onward toward Ninety-Six. He believed that Ben would do the same, and he was eager to find Tom, and was somewhat anxious regarding his fate.

“Yes, I’ll go on in the direction of Ninety-Six,” murmured Dick. “Likely Ben will do so, and I will meet him again, and if not, I may find Tom.”

So Dick set out through the forest, heading toward the west. He walked steadily for two or three hours, and then, feeling tired, he lay down at the foot of a tree and was soon asleep.

When he awoke it was morning, he rose and looked about him. On all sides was the wilderness, the timber being all around him. Nowhere were there any signs of Indians.

“I wish I could find a settler’s home,” murmured Dick. “I am feeling the need of some food. Well, perhaps I may happen upon one, soon.”

Then he set out, still heading westward, and walked steadily onward an hour or so, when he came to a little cabin in an open space in the forest.

“Good,” thought Dick. “Now, I shall be able to get something to eat, likely.”

Dick advanced and knocked on the door, which was opened a few moments later by a tall, roughly-dressed man, who looked like a hunter and trapper.

“Good morning, sir,” greeted Dick. “I would like to get something to eat.”

“All right, stranger; come right in,” was the reply. “Ye are welcome to all the grub ye can eat, such as it is.”

“Thank you,” said Dick, and he entered and took a seat, while his host placed some meat and corn cakes on the rude table at one side.

“Now set up here, and eat all ye want,” said the man.

Dick did so, and when he had talked with the man a few moments, he learned that he was a hunter, but that he was a patriot, and the youth learned that it was about forty miles to Ninety-Six.

“If ye’re going over in that part of the country, ye’ll have to keep your eyes open,” said the hunter. “The redcoats and redskins both are thick over thar. Only yesterday the savages caught a couple of young fellows and were going to burn them at the stake. I was about an’ with a friendly Indian’s aid crawled up just in time to cut loose their bonds or they would be on the road to kingdom come before now.”

“My kind preserver,” gasped Dick, “I thank you for myself and for Ben, my comrade.”

Naturally there was a long talk, and Dick repeated time and again his words of appreciation. Finally with a last grasp of the kindly hunter’s hand he took his departure.

The man insisted on Dick taking a package of food with him, which the youth did, and he was glad afterward that he did so, for he did not come upon another cabin during that day, and would have had to go hungry, but for the supply he had brought with him.

He camped that night at a point which he judged was perhaps ten miles from Fort Ninety-Six, and slept quietly till morning.

He ate the last of the food the hunter had given him, and then set out in the direction of Ninety-Six.

About three hours later, he came to a wide open space, and looked with interest at what he knew was Fort Ninety-Six, standing near the center of an open space of goodly size.

“There’s Ninety-Six,” murmured Dick, gazing at the fort eagerly. “I wonder if Tom is a prisoner there?”