Then up and be doing, Right only pursuing, And take your fair part in the strife. Be honest and true, boys, Whatever you do, boys, Let this be your motto through life! [_This Story began in No. 22._] IN SEARCH of HIMSELF. A Tale of Dangerous Adventure. BY GEORGE H. COOMER, Author Of “Arthur Summers,” Etc. CHAPTER XIII. RALPH MAKES A FRIEND. Ralph had need of all his courage, as he realized what was before him. In a low, swampy spot, close under a pile of rock and earth, that rose out of it like a wall, was an animal such as he had never met with until this moment, although he instinctively guessed what it must be. The creature appeared to be in a complete frenzy of rage. It was covered with mud and water, and with furious motions was trampling down the long, rank grass which grew about the place. “A wild boar!” uttered our young friend to himself, with his heart leaping to his throat, as his glance took in the sharp back, the high shoulders, and the immense tusks that curved from the jaws like cimetars. He had seen pictures of such animals, but had never dreamed how startling the reality would be. The boar seemed to direct his fury against the ledge which formed the boundary of the muddy and grassy place where he was raging about; and looking a little above the savage brute, Ralph perceived a something which appeared like a human form in some manner confined among the rocks. He thought the body looked as if partially under a big stone that held it down. Instantly the thought came to him: “It must be that a man has got caught there under a rock, which he has pulled down upon himself in trying to clamber up.” Just as this thought entered his mind, he saw the boar give a fearful spring and fall back with what seemed a strip of clothing between his jaws. The position of the imprisoned man must be awful, and there was not a moment to lose. The next spring might be more successful. The fierce jaws clashed together with a startling sound, and the huge head was shaken, as if the frenzy of the monster was increased by the possession of that bit of rag. The prisoner gave another wild cry, and Ralph responded, with all the strength of his lungs: “I’ll help you! I’ll help you!” He was too far off for a successful shot, but he hoped by firing to attract the animal’s attention from the man to himself, and then, in case of need, he might retreat into some one of the trees among which he was then standing. So, taking the best aim he could, he fired both barrels in quick succession. But the boar, except by a furious toss of the head and a single terrible “_Whoosh!_” paid not the slightest attention to him. Indeed, the efforts of the animal to reach the intended victim became, if possible, more frantic than ever; and Ralph guessed that once, at least, the tusks came in contact with some part of the poor captive’s body.