The three did so, and from a distance heard a groan and then a thrashing around in the bushes back of the cabin.
"Something is wrong, that is sure!" gasped Giant. "Whopper must be in trouble!"
"Come on and see," returned Snap, and catching up his gun he ran from the shelter. Shep and Giant were not slow in following.
When they got outside all had become quiet again, and they knew not in what direction to turn. There was no moon, but the stars shone like so many diamonds in the heavens.
"Where is he?" asked Shep, after a breathless pause.
"I don't know," answered Snap. "Hullo, Whopper!" he called out.
There was no reply to his shout and he moved into the bushes cautiously, with the others at his heels. Then, of a sudden, he came upon Whopper, who stood by a bush tugging away manfully.
"Get back!" murmured Whopper. "Get back, you beast! Say, fellows, this is the worst bear of the lot! Down he goes! That makes four bears for yours truly!"
"I know what's the matter!" shouted Snap, lowering his gun. "He has got the nightmare."
"Yes, and got it bad, too," put in Giant. "My! see him hustle with the bush!"