of these things. He told himself, with warped reasoning, that Nick had
gone behind his back, that he had taken undue advantage in his winning
of Aim-sa's regard. He forgot, or admitted not, his own doings, his own
secret meeting with her on the night of her flight from the dugout.

Such was his mood as he traversed the forest paths. Through dell and
brake; through endless twilight maze of black tree-trunks; over
moss-grown patches, and roots and stumps reeking with the growth of rank
fungus. But his eyes never lost the indications of his quarry, and at
intervals he paused listening for some sound which should tell him of
the beast's proximity.

A frozen creek crossed his way. The surface was covered with the watery
slush of melting snow, and great cracks ran in many directions through
the ice.

He crossed it and the forest closed about him again. The beast he was
trailing had paused here, had moved roundabout as though seeking the
direction he required. Ralph followed the creature's movements,
understanding with the acuteness of his forest breeding.

Suddenly he started and a half-stifled cry broke from him. He dashed
forward to a point where the snow had drifted and was now disturbed. He
halted, and looked down. Other footprints mingled with those of the
bear. They were small, and had been made by moccasin-shod feet. He had
seen such footprints before. He knew the owner of the feet which had
made these imprints. Aim-sa's were such as these--Aim-sa's!

His eyes took in every detail slowly, fondly. Where was she now? He must
follow. Then he remembered. Something else was following, not him, but
her. He straightened himself up, and a muttered exclamation broke from
his lips. Now he understood. Away there, back in the distant woods, the
bear must have scented the woman's presence and was tracking her down.
She had gone on through the forest, unknowing of the danger that lurked
behind her, which was hard upon her trail.

Forgetful of Nick, forgetful of all else, Ralph pursued the double
trail. Danger threatened the woman he loved, for aught he knew had
already overtaken her. To his credit be it said, that, as he raced over
the sodden carpet of the forest, not one selfish thought possessed him.
Aim-sa was in danger, and so he went headlong to the rescue. His quiet
eyes were lit with a fiery determination such as one might have expected
in the eyes of Nick, but not in those of Ralph. His soul was afire with
anxiety. Ai