The instant he did so he grasped his knife, and the others set up such a cry as ought to have startled a dozen bears.
It was some seconds before any sign was made that the animal in hiding even knew the stone had been thrown, and then there was a movement in the bushes as if it had simply changed its position—nothing more.
Bill stood silent with astonishment; he had expected to see that bear come out of the bushes with a regular flying leap, and he was thoroughly disappointed.
“Better let Tip go in an’ snake him right out,” suggested Bobby, who was afraid Bill would again propose a charge by the party.
Bill looked at Tim to see what he thought of such a plan, and the dog’s owner nodded his head in approval.
“Then all get ready, an’ take the rope off his neck,” shouted Bill, as he set his teeth hard because of the struggle that it was evident would come soon.
Having the most perfect faith in the ability of his dog to kill any animal not larger than an elephant, Tim cautiously untied the ropes. But Tip did not appear to be excited by the prospect; he did not even get up from the ground, but lay there wagging his stub tail as if he was playing at “thumbs up.”
“Set him on!” cried Bill, tired of the inactivity; and Tim, now afraid his pet might be accused of cowardice, set him on with the most encouraging cries of “S’t-aboy!” But Tip, instead of running toward the bear, seemed to be bewildered by the noise, for all hands were shouting at him; he jumped to his feet, and ran round and round his master, as if asking what was wanted of him.
Tim grew nervous, more especially as he saw some of the boys who had appeared the most frightened when the stone was first thrown now smile, as if they were saying to themselves that Tip couldn’t be so very much of a bear dog after all, if he was afraid to kill one that had been found for him.
Tim walked as near the bushes as he dared to go, pointed with his finger, and urged Tip to “go an’ bring him out,” but all to no purpose. The dog seemed willing enough, but it was evident he did not understand what was wanted of him. Then Tim picked up a piece of wood, and, after showing Tip that he was to follow it, threw it in the direction of the supposed bear.