Closer and closer came the wolf, and although Dick kept yelling at him, and moving his legs as threateningly as possible, the animal would not retreat. Closer and closer he came, until his nose was within six inches of the youth’s body; then, as he seemed on the point of springing upon him, Dick pushed out his arms suddenly, in an effort to frighten the wolf away. Instead, however, the wolf made a quick snap, and seized the rope in its teeth. In some manner the teeth became fastened in the rope, and as the animal leaped backward, in alarm, Dick was pulled off the bunk, and came to the floor with a thump. This frightened the animal still more, and he went clawing backward across the room, trying to get his teeth loose, and presently his teeth, being sharp, cut through the rope, weakening it so that Dick was able to snap the remaining strands, and his arms were free. The wolf, however, angered, again sprang at Dick, and the youth, being unable to get out of the way owing to his feet being tied, seized a stool that was at hand and struck at the wolf, causing the animal to struggle back, with a snarl of rage. Then ensued a battle such as is seldom seen--a youth with his ankles bound, fighting against a hungry wolf, his only weapon being a clumsy stool. Snarling, snapping, springing at the youth, the now infuriated animal kept at work, and Dick rolled over and over, now and then striking at the wolf with the stool, hitting it too occasionally, but this seemingly only serving to make the animal the more fierce and angry. It was indeed a fierce battle, and there was no telling how it would end, for the gaunt, hungry wolf was a very dangerous antagonist. But Dick fought on with desperate energy. CHAPTER VII Tom Tries Woodcraft The settlers in the fort watched the actions of the Indians and the renegade with some anxiety. They realized that unless General Greene and his army came to their assistance, they would sooner or later either be captured, or else would have to surrender, owing to running out of provisions. And, if Gurley told the truth, Dick Dare had been captured and would not be able to carry the news to General Greene. They discussed the situation, and Tom Dare reiterated his statement that as soon as it was dark he would leave the fort, attempt to slip through the lines of the Indians and go in search of Dick. Failing of finding his brother, after a reasonable length of time given to searching, he would then go on to the encampment of the patriot army and tell General Greene of the predicament of the patriot settlers, and get him to come to their relief. “Very well,” said Mr. Holden. “We shall be glad to have you do as you suggest, my boy. But, it will be a difficult and dangerous matter getting past those redskins. They have the fort surrounded, and will be on the alert to prevent anyone getting away from here.” “I think I can succeed, sir,” said Tom, confidently.