Part 12 (1/2)

”That remains to be seen.”

”The first time you try it will prove it. I have seen them shoot with the telescopes, globe, and peep sights and all the new fangled notions, and they're good only for fancy shooting. You've got to use that breech-loader off-hand, just as I do, or it won't be worth a cent to you.”

”I understand that a big black bear has been seen in the woods,” said Herbert, in his loftiest style; ”I've come to kill him.”

Nick and Sam looked significantly at each other, and Nick said:

”That is what we are after; won't you join us?”

Instead of responding promptly, Herbert said:

”Well, I don't know as I have any objection to letting you go with me, though you must promise to do as I say.”

Without giving this pledge, the two said they would render all the help they could, and the party moved on down the creek toward the pond.

”Have you a dog?” asked Nick of their new recruit.

”No, what do I want of a dog? He would only be a bother; you ought to send back that pumpkin of yours.”

”We don't expect him to be of much help, except to find the track of the bear, if he is anywhere in the neighborhood--_there!_ do you hear that?”

At that moment Bowser, who had trotted into the woods ahead, gave utterance to a hoa.r.s.e, resounding bay, which sounded as though his voice had also changed, for it ended in a dismal squeaking howl that made all laugh.

”He is on the track of something,” said Nick in some excitement.

”A rabbit, I am sure,” remarked Herbert, with a sneer.

The three started off at a rapid walk, which occasionally broke into a trot, and following the baying of the hound they turned to the right before reaching the big pond, and struck into the very heart of the woods.

Herbert was so much taller and lighter than his companions that he drew away from them once or twice, but was obliging enough to stop and wait.

Hurrying along in this headlong fas.h.i.+on they soon stopped, all pretty well out of breath.

Although Herbert had laughed at their tardiness, he was the most exhausted and the first one to wish to rest.

CHAPTER XV.

A SURPRISE.

All this time the baying of the hound continued, the sounds showing that he had circled and was approaching the boys, who were not a little astonished at the unexpected turn of affairs.

”That's a pretty dog,” laughed Herbert; ”he is making fools of us all.”

”There isn't any need of that so far as _you_ are concerned,” retorted Nick, losing patience with the slurs of their companion. ”You had better wait till you find out what it means before you condemn Bowser.”

Herbert made no answer, for the dog was now so close that the interest of all was centered on his actions.

”My gracious, what a terrible racket he makes!” exclaimed Nick; ”there must be something unusual to excite Bowser like that.”