CHAPTER XXVI. 

Disappearance of Slavin 

"What's that?" 

The exclamation came from Allen as he broke off short in his conversation with Watson. 

The cry from Noel had reached his ears and the cry was quickly followed by the first of the pistol shots. 

"He's in trouble, thet's wot!" cried the old hunter. "Hark, thar's another shot!" 

He bounded back to the camp fire, but quick as was his movement, Allen was ahead of him. Both felt that Noel's peril must be extreme. 

"Get a torch!" cried Watson, and caught up a burning brand. 

"What of Slavin?" questioned Allen, but then, as the second shot rang out, he waited no longer, but with a torch in one hand and his gun in the other, he darted up the rocky steps as fast as he could. Watson was beside him, with pistol drawn, his gun resting on the side of the cave below. 

It took but a few seconds to gain the vicinity of the little waterfall but before they came up they heard the third shot and another yell from Noel. 

"My gracious!" burst from Allen's throat, as he beheld the awful scene. 

Noel was lying partly on his back, with one foot pressed against the wolverine's stomach. The wild beast still held the young man by the arm. 

Allen realized that whatever good was to be done must be done instantly, and without stopping to think twice he blazed away at the wolverine, twice in quick succession. Watson likewise fired, and the creature was struck each time. With a yelp that was almost human the wolverine turned, let go his hold on Noel, and leaped for Allen. 
what was he holding him by?
eld the young man by the arm