They then proceeded very cautiously. Mr. Waterman gave way to Pierre, who went ahead without any noise. Bob tried to imitate his movements but he felt angry at himself, for he made a great noise as he went along. He now knew why Mr. Waterman had hesitated at bringing him. He did the very best he could and followed along, feeling the excitement tugging at his heart. Mr. Waterman and the two guides moved like shadows before him and only by the sudden gleam in their eyes could he see that they were at all excited. At last Pierre came back a step or two and put his fingers to his lips in token of silence.
"A log cabin not far ahead," said he to Mr. Waterman very quietly.
Mr. Waterman and Jack went ahead very stealthily, and they came back in a moment.
"I guess we've treed our coon," said Mr. Waterman. "Now, how shall we catch him?"
"I go," said Pierre. "I make believe that I'm just an Indian fishing and I come back 'bimby.'"
"That's a pretty good plan," said Mr. Waterman.
They watched Pierre disappear through the bushes and then settled down to wait. In only about twenty minutes Pierre returned. They were all surprised to see him so soon.
"No one at cabin," said Pierre, as he came up.
"How long since has there been some one there?" asked Mr. Waterman.
"Only short time. He come back any time now."