Tip, not understanding that two boys were obliged to follow directly behind him, and, still hot on the scent of some animal, suddenly darted between a couple of trees standing very near each other.
It was impossible for both Tim and Bobby to pass through this narrow space together; but in their excitement they did not stop to think of that, and the consequence was that they both fell sprawling to the ground, while Tip was brought to a very sudden stop.
The dog seemed rather discouraged by the sudden check to his speed, and it was some time before he could be persuaded to start again. This second race had just begun, and the boys were growing eager again, when Bill Thompson shouted:
“There he is! there he is! Hold on to your dog now, an’ let’s get all ready before we rush in.”
“Where is he? where is he?” asked each one, as he halted and tried to distinguish the form of the animal in the direction pointed out by Bill; but none of them feeling quite as brave as they did a moment before.
“Look right there!” and Bill pointed to a certain spot in the woods where the trees grew thickest. “Now watch, an’ you’ll see him move.”
It was possible to see some dark-colored body moving among the thick foliage, and there was no longer any doubt but that one of the animals they were in search of was very near to them.
A shade of fear came over the faces of quite a number of that hunting party then, and the most frightened-looking one was Bobby Tucker. He, who had been so proud a few moments before because he had been given the post of honor, now appeared to be perfectly willing that some one else should hold Tip when the expected rush was made, and he appeared to have suddenly lost all desire for a bear-hunt.
Bill Thompson now assumed the command of the party, and no one questioned his right to do so. The orders he gave were obeyed as promptly as could have been expected under the circumstances, and he began the delicate task of posting his men in those positions best calculated to bring out their fighting qualities.
Tim and Bobby, being nearer the dangerous animal than the others, were ordered to keep strict watch of the spot where the bear was last seen, and on no account to let him get away without their knowledge.