Page:The young Nimrods in North America.djvu/85

Rh At the conclusion of this narrative of the wonderful adventures of Rowzey, the party moved on. Up to this time the dogs had been rather quiet, but they now began to show signs of uneasiness, which indicated to Jack that there was something in the vicinity.

The faithful animals put their noses to the ground, and began sniffing and growling so earnestly that there was no mistaking their anger and excitement. Soon they started off in the direction where the forest was thickest, and our friends made all haste to follow them. Hardly had the

dogs disappeared when they began to bark, and before the hunters could come up with them their attention was concentrated at the root of a large tree. Examination showed that the tree was hollow, and the earnestness of the dogs was regarded as a sure indication that a bear was concealed in the trunk.

"It is probably his winter-quarters," said Jack. "It is about time for the bears to seek their places of hibernation, and if you had come here a fortnight later you would have had no chance to get one, as they would have been stowed away for their sleep of two or three months. This is your last chance for the season."