“Do you hear that?” cried Abe, in a whisper, clutching the arm of Dave, nervously.
“Yes, it’s a wolf, attracted probably by the scent of our camp,” replied Dave.
“Jus’ so,” said Abe, still in a hoarse whisper, a singular expression upon his features.
The sound had come from the east, seemingly down the river.
“I shouldn’t be surprised if thar were more nor one wolf,” said Abe, listening intently.
“Why, yes, of course,” replied Dave, “they generally go in packs.”
Just then another howl was borne faintly to their ears on the night wind, this time coming from the north.
“Do you hear that?” asked Abe; “that wolf travels considerably fast; he’s made ’bout three miles in two seconds; shouldn’t be surprised if next time he howls it should come from the westward,” and then, as if in confirmation of the guide’s words, the howl was repeated, and this time it did come from the west.
“’Pears to me,” said Abe, in his shrewd way, “that those wolves are acting all together, and they’re howling to let each other know whar they air.”