The low, threatening growl which escaped him sent a shiver through all.
Neither of the women dared to stir or speak. They expected every moment
that his effort would be repeated with success.
And now to the dismay of the two, Jim Travers did an extraordinary
thing,--one that almost took away their breath.
Running to the fireplace, he caught up the largest brand, with which he
hurried to the window, and raised the sash with one hand.
"What are you doing?" demanded Aunt Cynthia in consternation.
"Never mind me," replied the youth; "I'm all right."
And then they literally became speechless when they saw him slide back the
bolt which held the shutter in place. It looked as if he meant to open the
way for the tiger to enter the house.
While thus busy, Jim thought proper to add a word of explanation,--
"There's nothing that wild beasts is so afeard of as fire; that's what I'm
going to play on this chap."
The women were too frightened to protest.
After sliding back the fastenings, Jim stood leaning slightly forward, the
torch in one hand, while the other rested against the shutter, which was
not yet pushed open.
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