d axe were so fastened in
his belt that they were ready for instant use if needed. The strap of
his sled was dropped from his shoulders, and thus disencumbered--with
all a hunter's excitement in such a position increased by the thought
that perhaps it was Astumastao who was in such danger--he glided along
silently, cautiously, and rapidly. Indian trails are very crooked, and
so it was that he only now and then caught a glimpse of the bloodthirsty
brute; but when he did, he observed it was intent on its one purpose, as
it hardly turned its head to the right or the left as it crouched or
bounded along. Soon, however, the trail led from the open forest, where
the trees were not clustered together very closely, into a dense, gloomy
place of venerable old trees, whose great limbs stretched and
intertwined with each other for quite a distance. This was the same
gloomy part of the forest into which we had seen Astumastao go as she
was returning with her heavy load of game.

When Oowikapun reached the entrance to this part of the trail, he was
surprised to notice the sudden disappearance of the tracks of the
catamount. Rapidly did his eye scan every spot within jumping distance,
and still not a vestige of a footstep was visible. However, he was not
to be deceived, but, knowing the habits of these animals, he carefully
examined the trunks of the trees close at hand, and on one of them he
found the marks of the creature's claws, as it had sprung from the trail
into it. This discovery, while it added to the excitement of Oowikapun,
caused him to be, if possible, more alert and cautious, as he rapidly
and silently moved along. These animals can climb trees like squirrels,
and glide along from branch to branch with amazing celerity where the
trees are large. They seem to prefer to make their attack by springing
upon their victims from a tree rather than from the ground, as their aim
is, if possible, to seize them by the throat. Oowikapun was aware of
this, and it added to his anxiety.

Once or twice he caught sight of the creature as, like a South American
puma, it glided along from tree to tree. Soon he saw it pause for an
instant, and become greatly agitated, and apparently quiver with
excitement. It was still a long shot from him, as he had only a
smooth-bore, flintlock gun. The temptation to fire was great, but,
wishing to be sure of his aim, he resolved to follow on, and get so near
that no second ball would be ne