He did not refer to the accident to his companion, which he
considered as too trivial to notice, but rather to the sufferings of
the animal. Tad felt a deep sympathy for any dumb animal that was in
trouble, no matter if it were a bear which would have shown him no
mercy had they met face to face.

"Professor, let me have your revolver please," he cried.

"What for?"

"I want to put the brute out of his misery. Please do!"

"There are no more shells in it."

"Then load it. I'm going to get Pink-eye. Hurry, hurry! Can't you
see how the miserable creature is suffering?"

The lad darted away for his pony, while Professor Zepplin, sharing
something of the boy's own feelings, hurried to his tent and
recharged his weapon.

He had no more than returned when Tad came dashing up on Pink-eye.

"Where is he? Do you see him?"

"Over there, I can see the fire in the bushes," answered Ned Rector.

"Quick, give me the gun," demanded Tad.