he whole party, except a hunting knife that the trapper
had adroitly concealed from the cannibals. Whatever game was
approaching, it evidently intended to take its time, for they could
hear it, every few minutes stop to browse, which argued well for its
being a deer, and which they earnestly desired it should be. At last it
came in sight, and they beheld a small mountain sheep. Though it was
not what they anticipated, yet it was a welcome prize, and the chief's
unerring aim secured it.

They dressed and broiled a few steaks of it, but hesitated to build a
large fire, for fear that straggling Indians might see the smoke rising
above the tree tops, which would direct them on their trail. After
satisfying their hunger, taking the remainder and the basket of
berries, they again set out on their journey and travelled until
sunset, when they encamped in a valley for the night. They had put out
their fire, and with Whirlwind for sentinel, had a feeling of security,
which they acknowledged by the deep sleep which enshrouded them. At
midnight he was relieved by the trapper, and he too slept soundly.

About the second hour of Howe's watch, his ear was attracted by
stealthy advancing steps, and in a few moments within ten paces of the
sleepers, gleamed a pair of glaring eyes flashing in the darkness that
surrounded them, like coals of fire.

"A panther," muttered the trapper, and then he continued as if the
beast could understand him, "you had better stand back, old fellow, if
you have any respect for yourself. We shall not accommodate you with a
meal to-night, so keep back."

But the panther did not understand him, or, if he did, he did not heed
the advice; for the trapper could tell by his low growl that he was
preparing to spring; quickly drawing the bow, and taking aim between
the flashing eyes, he gave him an arrow. With a howl of rage, the beast
sprang back into the bushes, and retreating to the top of the hill, set
up a quick, fierce, and wailing cry, which sounded like that of an
angry child, only fiercer, until it seemed as if the whole forest had
taken up and echoed the sound. The beast's first howl had awakened the
sleepers; and when they heard him on the hill, all were frightened, for
they well knew it was the panther's call for help.

The panther being eminently a social animal, it is said, go in bands,
but usually search for food singly; and when found, if too formidable
to be secured by the finder, he retreats