Part 9 (2/2)

Walter checked the ready sally which was on his tongue's end, for they had been moving on while talking and Charley was now leading them into the dense forest where silence was absolutely necessary if they hoped to secure any game.

For some time they picked their way carefully through the forest, warily avoiding dry twigs, and maintaining an absolute silence. But although they saw numerous signs of game, both large and small, not a glimpse of even a rabbit or squirrel rewarded their eager watchfulness.

At last when all were beginning to get a bit discouraged, Charley called a halt. ”Now, all of you listen hard as you can for a few minutes and then tell me what you hear,” he said.

For a full minute his companions listened intently, then the captain gave an exclamation of disgust. ”Can't hear anything out of the usual,” he declared.

”Once or twice I thought I heard something, but I guess it was only my imagination,” said Walter.

”And you, Chris?” inquired Charley of the little darky, whose face wore a puzzled expression.

”Golly, dis n.i.g.g.e.r hear something powerful plain but he can't just make it out. Don't sound like anything he ever heard, afore. Now hit sounds like a big dog growling an' then again hit sounds like one whinin'.”

”Your ears are pretty good, Chris,” Charley commented. ”I guess we'll follow up that sound for a little while.”

CHAPTER X.

SHOOTING A THIEF.

”Are you working one of your little surprises on us?” Walter inquired eagerly of his chum as the little party again advanced in the direction Chris indicated. ”Come, confess now that you know what is ahead of us.”

”I am all at sea this time,” admitted Charley. ”I heard just what Chris described, but I can't fit the sounds to any animal I know. It's getting plainer now, surely you can hear it.”

”Yes,” said Walter, with a puzzled frown, ”but what under the sun, moon, and stars can it be?”

”A few minutes will settle the question. It's only a little ways off now. My! it's getting to be a terrible din, we must be close at hand.”

Charley's prophecy soon proved true for they suddenly came out of the forest into a s.p.a.ce which had evidently been fire-swept years before, for it was bare of undergrowth and of the former mighty pines nothing remained but the white, lifeless trunks.

For a moment the hunters stood in the edge of the clearing, gazing in speechless astonishment at the sight before them.

Close to one of the largest of the dead pines was a large black bear, reared back on his haunches and striking with both paws viciously at some unseen foe. The hair of muzzle, head and paws was matted and plastered with some thick liquid, giving him a curious frowsy appearance. He was evidently in a towering rage but it was also apparent that he was suffering great pain, his ferocious growls being interspersed with long, low, pathetic whines.

”He acts as though he had gone crazy,” exclaimed Walter, recovering his speech.

At sound of his voice, the bear's head turned in their direction. With a growl of fury he dropped to all fours and with incredible speed made for the hunters.

Charley had been quick to take in the meaning of the strange scene.

”Shoot and run,” he shouted, as the maddened animal charged.

He, Walter and the captain shot almost at once. The shots struck home but the sorely wounded beast still lumbered forward at a rapid pace.

”Run,” shouted Charley, striking into the forest at the top of his speed, closely followed by the captain and Walter. They had run but a few paces before Walter, who was in the rear, stopped suddenly. ”Chris has stayed,” he shouted to the others, ”we can't leave him.”

Almost as rapidly as they had fled, the three retraced their steps to the edge of the clearing.

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