"It is singular, though," said Bell, "that bears could scent us all that way off; we have not been burning anything fat which might have attracted them."
"Oh!" replied the Doctor, "bears are endowed with a wonderfully keen sense of smell, and a piercing sight; and, more than that, they are extremely intelligent, almost more so than any other animal. They have smelt something unusual; and, besides, who can tell whether they have not even found their way as far as our plateau during the tempest?"
"But then, why did they stop here last night?" asked Altamont.
"Well, that's a question I can't answer, but there is no doubt they will continue narrowing their circles, till they reach Fort Providence."
"We shall soon see," said Altamont.
"And, meantime, we had best go on," added the Doctor, "and keep a sharp look out."
But not a sign of anything living was visible, and after a time they returned to the snow-house.
Hatteras and Johnson were informed how matters stood, and it was resolved to maintain a vigilant watch. Night came, but nothing disturbed its calm splendour-nothing was heard to indicate approaching danger.
Next morning at early dawn, Hatteras and his companions, well armed, went out to reconnoitre the state of the snow. They found the same identical footmarks, but somewhat nearer. Evidently the enemy was bent on the siege of Fort Providence.
"But where can the bears be?" said Bell.