The traveler checked his horse and snatched the rifle from the saddle.
Again on the still air rung out the scream, shrilly, coupled with a cry for help. The cry came from the ravine on the right.
In a second he leaped from the saddle, and, rifle in hand, plunged into the ravine. His horse—a well-trained beast—remained motionless on the spot where his rider had left him.
The young man dashed up the steep ascent at break-neck speed.
The noise made by his steps fell upon the ears of the woman who uttered the scream. She knew that help was near.
A few steps more and the young man beheld a scene which nearly froze his blood with horror.
Fleeing down the ravine came a young girl—who, even at this moment of excitement, he noticed was beautiful, almost beyond expression; and behind her, in full pursuit, was a huge black bear.
The girl was Virginia Treveling. In her search for berries she had stumbled upon the bear, who was busily engaged feasting upon the luscious fruit.
But Bruin, in a twinkling, forsook the berries for the human.
Then from the lips of the girl came the shrill screams that had brought the traveler to her rescue.