“Some of the old-time hunters eat it,” answered Daniel Boone. “I never did. Better leave it for the wolves,” and this they did, after cutting off the long, white claws, which Boone told them were valuable, the Indians thinking more of such things than of money in making a trade.
The two young hunters were glad enough to have Daniel Boone accompany them home, and the great hunter willingly helped them along with their drags. He was much interested in the story about the big bear.
“You are both doing well,” he said. “In fact, I doubt if any old hunters in these parts have done better.”
“THE REPORT OF A RIFLE ECHOED THROUGH THE FOREST.”—P. [200].
They asked him if he had heard anything more of the expedition that had moved westward in search of the Indian captives.
“Not a word,” replied Daniel Boone. “And I don’t expect to hear anything until spring. Nobody is going to travel very far in such weather as this, in a country where there isn’t anything better than an Indian or a buffalo trail.”
“I don’t care how long we have to wait, if only when the news comes it is good news,” said Joe soberly.
“I suppose you miss your mother a good bit, lad. Well, I can’t say as I blame you. A good mother is the best blessing a boy ever had.”
“And I miss my sister,” came from Harry.