rect! I haven't forgotten that point about the shadows. It's really
simple if you stop to reason it out."

Although numerous small animals appeared at frequent intervals, neither
had an opportunity to try his skill, because up to that time the boys
had been too intent on noting the direction of their route. The course
was kept up due southwest, as planned.

"Did you ever see such a gloomy place?" remarked George. "If it wasn't
for the chirping of the birds and the chatter of the little animals it
would make me feel mighty lonely."

"Ah! there is something!" quietly whispered Harry, as he held out his
arm, as though to restrain George. "See that animal slinking away?"

"Where?"

"Almost directly in front. Come closer. See that broken tree?"

"That's an ocelot," exclaimed George.

"Are you sure?"

"Just like the ones we got."

"Oh, this one's much larger."

"Shall we make a try for him?"

"Certainly; if we can get close enough," answered Harry.

The boys moved forward stealthily, using the most convenient trees to
hide their movements. The animal was very wary, and the boys knew that
the distance was too great to attempt a shot.

"Let us keep on after him. We may get a chance sooner or later,"
remarked Harry, eagerly.

But the animal kept beyond their reach, and after a half hour it finally
forged ahead with such speed that it was soon lost to view, to the great
disappointment of the hunters.

"Now, if we can get a glimpse of the sun we shall know what our
direction is. This is the most wonderful forest I have ever seen."

"It seems to me we have gone considerably to the right. How far are we
from the river, according to your calculations?"

"Well, Harry, I am not good at guessing, but I suppose we have traveled
at a pretty lively rate while going after the ocelot. We certainly made
two miles trailing him; and it was as much more from the river to the
forest. I should say we are fully six miles from it."

"I wish we could get a glimpse of the mountains," answered Harry. "I
wonder why the Professor has always been so anxious to investigate this
part of the island?"

"That is a mystery to me. It may be merely a natural curiosity."

The boys noted the gradual ascent they were making now, and it was also
obvious that the trees were not so thick nor so tall, in comparison with
those farther north.

"Do you suppose we are near the base of the mountain?" asked Harry.

"It must be we are near it, or we