Teddy, who was an especial favorite of Alex’s, and never lost an opportunity of following him about, appeared to know exactly where he was going, for he maintained a steady pace for half an hour or more, keeping to the south shore of the creek for a time and then crossing on a fallen tree to the opposite bank.
“Now,” said Clay, “we ought not to follow close behind the cub. He makes as much noise as a freight train going up a steep grade, and we’ll be sure to be seen if the outlaws are anywhere about.”
“Perhaps he will go on alone,” Jule suggested.
“In that case, we can skirt his track and remain hidden. That ought not to be very difficult in this broken country.”
Teddy turned about with an inquiring glance as the boys left his side, but soon proceeded on his course. Fearful that Captain Joe would indulge in another demonstration of some kind, the boys kept him with them, Jule keeping a close hold on his collar.
“This doesn’t seem much like a river trip to me,” Jule grinned as they passed over rocks, sneaked through miniature canyons and threaded thickets alive with briers and clinging vines. “Seems more like an overland expedition to the north star.”
“There is one compensation,” Clay added humorously. “Alex will get good and hungry—and serve him right at that.”
“Huh!” Jule declared, “Alex is always hungry anyway.”
Teddy now quickened his pace so that the boys had great difficulty in following him. He ran with his nose to the rough ground, his short ears tipped forward, for all the world like a hound on a scent.
“Look at the beast!” Jule laughed. “Acts like he was a hound after foxes. That’s some bear, Clay.”