The hounds set off at a signal from their
master, not like an arrow from the bow, but at a moderate pace, ever
and anon looking back and pausing until the men came up; while the
erratic curs flew hither and thither, chasing every hare and squirrel
they could find. As they pursued the trail they occasionally saw the
foot-print of the animal, which was broad and deep, indicating one of
enormous size. Presently they came to a spot thickly overgrown with
spice-wood bushes and prickly vines, where he had made his lair, and
from the erect tails of Ringwood and Jowler, and the intense interest
they otherwise evinced, it was evident they were fast approaching the
presence of Bruin. Ere long, as they ran along with their heads up,
for the first time that morning, they commenced yelping in clear and
distinct tones, which rang musically far and wide through the woods.
The curs relinquished their unprofitable racing round the thickets,
attracted by the hounds, and soon learned to keep in the rear,
depending on the unerring trailing of the old hunters, as the object
of pursuit was not yet in sight. The chase became more animated, and
the men quickened their pace as the inspiring notes of the hounds rang
out at regular intervals. Glenn soon found he possessed no advantage
over those on foot, who were able to run under the branches of the
trees, and glide through the thickets with but little difficulty,
while the rush of his noble steed was often arrested by the tenacious
vines clinging to the bushes abreast, and he was sometimes under the
necessity of dismounting to recover his cap or whip.

It was not long before the notes of Ringwood and Jowler suddenly
increased in sharpness and quickness, and the curs and terriers,
hitherto silent, set up a confused medley of sounds, which
reverberated like one continuous scream. They had pounced upon the
bear, and from the stationary position of the dogs for a few minutes,
indicated by their peculiar baying, it was evident Bruin had turned to
survey the enemy, and perhaps to give them battle; but it seemed that
their number or noise soon intimidated him, and that he preferred
seeking safety in flight. How Boone could possibly know beforehand
which way the bear would run, was a mystery to Glenn; but that he
often abandoned the direction taken by the dogs, turning off at almost
right angles, and still had a sight of him was no less true. No one
had yet been near enough to fire with effect. The be