“Because that is the direction from which the danger lies,” Andy replied.
“But I can’t hear anything out there,” said Phil.
“The ponies can smell it, though. That’s what makes me think it’s a bear. Horses can smell a bear farther than anything else. You brought your rifles, didn’t you?”
“No, the 44s.”
“Then get your rifles, quick! You don’t want to use a revolver at night. Besides, it wouldn’t stop a bear any time.”
“But we can’t leave our ponies,” protested Ted.
“Here, I’ll hold Daisy while you hustle back and bring the rifles,” ordered Andy.
Scarcely had the boy started than the horses whirled in the direction of the campfire, snorting and jerking back frantically, unable to rear because of their hobbles.
“Wow! they’re on all sides of us!” cried Phil, but Andy was too busy trying to manage his two animals to reply.
“Hurry, Ted, hurry!” yelled his brother, as he saw that their companion had more than his hands full, all his own strength being required to hold Pat.