Then came up to their listening ears the same sounds already described, together with hoarser tones of a more pronouncedly grunting description, which showed more truly that the beast was in very truth a wild boar. But Clive did not venture down again, nor did he even mention the subject. His former attempt had been most satisfactory, since it satisfied him that no other attempt could be thought of. In spite of this, however, both the boys had risen to a more cheerful frame of mind. Their future began to look brighter, and the prospect of a rescue served to put them both. into comparative good humor, the only drawback to which was their now ravenous hunger. At length the army of their deliverers appeared, and David, who was watching at the window, shouted to Clive, who was listening at the opening, whereupon the latter rushed to the other window. The delivering host drew nigh, and then at a respectable distance halted and surveyed the scene of action. Frank and Bob came on, however, without stopping, followed by Uncle Moses, after whom came the guide. Frank with his old fowling-piece, Bob with a pitchfork, Uncle Moses with a scythe, and the guide with a rope. What each one proposed to do was doubtful; but our travellers had never been strong on weapons of war, and the generous Alban people seemed to be in the same situation. As Frank and his companions moved nearer, the rest of the multitude took courage and followed, though in an irregular fashion. Soon Frank came near enough to speak. "Is he there yet?" was his first remark. "Yes," said Clive. "Where?" "At the left end of the lower room, under a pile of fagots." "Can't you manage to drive him out, so that I can get a shot at him?" asked Frank, proudly brandishing his weapon. "O, no. We can't do anything." "I wish you could," said Frank. "I wish we could too." said David, fervently. Upon this Frank talked with the guide. The question was, what should they do now? The most desirable thing was, to draw the wild beast out of his lair, so that they might have a fair chance with him; but, unfortunately, the wild beast utterly refused to move from his lair.