re accompanied by
some distinctive movement, as, for instance, the striking squeal of a
hen, accompanied by the crouching attitude, together indicate the
appearance of a hawk as plainly as though it uttered the warning in
words. It is obvious, therefore, that all the sounds made by animals,
such as cackling, clucking, crooning, purring, crowing, growling, and
roaring, as well as modifications of these sounds, impart some meaning
which can be distinguished by their kind, and are frequently recognized
by others."

This explanation appealed to George. "I know the moment Angel is
pleased, or when he is excited, and now that I think of it, I am sure
that he has several ways of expressing his meaning, and I am going to
try and see whether I can tell the difference hereafter when he tries to
talk."

There was little sleep that night, except on the part of John, who was
soon asleep. When morning broke they had an opportunity to examine the
dead animal. It had a uniform gray color, fading into a white in the
under part of its body, and with a very long, supple tail.

"The animal is sometimes called the panther, or 'painter,' as it is
familiarly known; and it is regarded by some authorities as the cougar.
It inhabits the whole of America. Its home is among the branches of
trees, and is a dangerous antagonist when wounded or cornered."

This incident made them desirous of quitting the forest by the nearest
route, but this was difficult to determine, as there were no elevated
hills in sight. In the forenoon of the third day, other animals were
sighted, and George, who was in the lead during the first part of the
trip, did not have the courage to go ahead very far, and soon after the
start was made, John came up and accompanied him, an act entirely
voluntary on his part, which increased the astonishment of them all.

It is impossible to account for these remarkable actions of the human
mind while in such a state. Did he realize the danger to his friends?
Who can answer the riddle?

But they must go on. The forest must be conquered. How far they had to
go was a mystery to them. One thing was certain: they were going toward
West River, but they were still less than half way. It would have been
the part of prudence to have taken the route to the north, through a
country which they had twice traversed, and which afforded far better
traveling, but it could not be helped now.

The fourth day did not improve their condition in the