“Yes, but I’m surprised that he remained, when he found we would not follow him,” added Julie.
“He may have feared we might move camp and he would be left behind,” suggested Mrs. Vernon.
“I go see why mudder don’ help cubs,” said Tally. So he started across the clearing, followed by the girls.
“Um! See—big log fall from tree jus’ when bear go un’ner,” said the Indian, pointing up at the split bough that had been severed by lightning, with its heavy end left dangling for a time. It had fallen and struck the black mother-bear just as she was passing under, and it must have instantly killed her.
“The poor little babies!” sighed Betty.
“Can’t we catch them and train them?” asked Julie, eagerly.
“Dem die sure in woods—or beastes eat ’em,” said Tally.
“Dear me, we mustn’t have that!” cried Mrs. Vernon.
“If we could only tame them and send them to the Zoo in New York—what a fine thing that would be for the Girl Scouts’ Organization. It would be quite an honor,” exclaimed Ruth.
During the unfamiliar sound and sight of the scouts, the cubs blinked fearfully at them. What new calamity was now at hand—and mother lying there so still and helpless?