a little distance, and then
sets up his call for help.

"We must take to trees," said the chief; "nothing can save us if they
come down with the whole pack, which they will be likely to do by what
that coward is telling them."

"Why, chief, do you suppose the beast is telling his mates that we are
five strong, and he cannot kill us all, and if he should, there would
be too much for one to eat?"

"Yes," replied the chief, "and not only that, but there are two old
ones, and the rest are young, so they must fetch their mates and cubs,
that all may enjoy the great feast."

"Ha! ha! chief," laughed Howe; "but that is going it strong for the
brutes!"

"Don't laugh, uncle," said Jane. "It is really horrible to be torn to
pieces by these animals."

"Why, who intends to be torn to pieces by these howling vagabonds? Not
I; nor do I intend any of us will. Here, Sidney, you climb this tree
and fix a place for Jane. Edward, help yourself into this one
also--catch hold of that limb. Jane, place your foot on my hand, and
raise yourself so as to catch the next limb. Help her, Sidney. There,
all are safe now but us, chief, and I believe we know how to take care
of ourselves. Had we better kindle a fire? The panthers, you know,
would as soon run up these trees as not; but a fire would have a
tendency to keep them at a respectful distance."

"And, perhaps, draw the cannibals on us!"

"I think not, chief. I think that in going through the mountain we
escaped from their territory."

"Build the fire and run the risk. They can climb trees like cats; and
as we have no weapons but our clubs to defend ourselves with, they
would have us, if they come in numbers, in a twinkling."

"Oh! yes, do!" cried Jane and Edward, as they now heard the yells of
the beasts from distant parts of the forest, giving back the call from
the hill.

"Let us run the risk, chief, and light three or four fires around the
tree, keeping within the circle, and then, if they press us too hard,
we can climb the tree also. It is large and strong, and will hold us
with ease."

Accordingly the dry brush wood that always covers the grounds in our
primitive forests, was hastily scraped together and fired; and as the
blaze lighted up the forest, three other heaps were collected in a
circle around the tree, which were also fired, and larger sticks
brought and heaped upon them--the smoke and heat of which drove the
children to the topmost limbs of the tree. It is wel