The different Indians, who had also gone off hunting, returned one after another, and so when supper was ready at the camp fire about sunset all were returned but Sam.
Where was he? Who had seen him last?
These were the questions put, but no one seemed able to give any satisfactory answer.
As it was supposed he would return any minute, the supper, which consisted principally of the fish they had caught and game shot, was eaten and much enjoyed.
Still no signs of Sam. Mr Ross began to feel uneasy, and now, as the shadows of the coming night were beginning to fall around them, he called Mustagan and some of the older Indians to him, and asked what had better be done. Promptly they responded that he must be found ere the last glimmering light faded away and the auroras began to dance and play in the northern sky.
“Let us at once get on his trail,” said an old Indian, “and we will soon find him.”
So the question was again anxiously asked who had last seen him.
But there was little need for an answer, as Sam, pale, excited, and panting for breath, suddenly dashed into their midst.
“What is the matter?” said Mr Ross, while all the rest, with intense interest, waited for his answer.
All poor Sam could say was, “The bear! the bear!” as he lay panting on the ground.