"But here's the chief returning," Valentine added. "All our doubts will be cleared up. Well, chief, to what does that sign belong?"
"Grizzly," Curumilla laconically answered.
"I was sure of it," said Valentine; "and what is t more, the animal is large."
"Very large; the footmarks are eight inches wide."
"Oh, oh," Don Miguel said, "we have a rough companion in that case. But in what state is the sign, chief?"
"Quite fresh; the animal passed scarce an hour ago."
"By Jove!" Valentine suddenly shouted, "here is its lair."
And he pointed to a large yawning hole in the mountain side. The hunters gave a start.
"Gentlemen," Valentine went on, "you are no more anxious than myself to measure your strength with a grizzly, I suppose."
"Certainly not," the Mexican exclaimed.