isitors drop in, you leave them to the
rest of us."

But there was no further alarm. During the night some of them declared
they heard strange cries off in the woods, which Mr. Mabie said must
have been the whining of the panther cubs, looking in vain for their
mother.

Frank was distressed.

"I hope they're really big enough to forage for themselves. If there's
anything I dislike it's to shoot bird or beast that has young depending
upon it. Perhaps the old male may look after them," he suggested.

"Well," smiled Mr. Mabie, "I hardly think that will prove to be the
case; at least they don't, as a rule. But I've got an idea the cubs are
of a good size, and can find some means of subsisting. For my part, I
wouldn't care if every panther in the Northwest were rubbed out. I've no
love for the sly beasts. They've robbed me of more than one fine calf, I
can tell you."

After breakfast a hunt was organized.

"We ought to get an elk before leaving up here," said the stockman as
they prepared to go forth again in a squad; "and as this will be our
last day in camp by the falls, we must look sharp."

"Then we make tracks to-morrow?" asked Frank.

"Hardly that, since we go by water. You've seen the three bullboats
yonder. We send our tents and all other things around with the horses,
while we shoot the rapids, and enjoy the most exhilarating boat ride you
ever dreamed of. Just wait and see, boys. It will be something worth
while."

After all, the stockman was unable to start out with them. He was
subject to attacks of rheumatism, due to his age, and many exposures in
the past. When one of these came on Mr. Mabie was unable to walk any
distance, and, unfortunately, he experienced such an attack that
morning.

"Sorry, boys, but it can't be helped. Reddy, here, will have to take my
place. You don't need me, that's plain. Only don't be too reckless, now.
That's the fault with most youngsters," and he shook his head at Bluff,
who turned fiery red as his eyes fell upon the panther, which Billy was
skinning at that moment.

Of course, Reddy was to act as guide to the party. He had been around
the vicinity a number of times. Besides, he knew the habits of the elk,
which used this valley for their feeding grounds, and if any one could
lead them to success in their hunt it was the young cowboy.

Frank used to look at Reddy, and wonder if he had ever seen him before;
but as that was out of the question, he came to the belief t