"Bears, bob-cats, cougars, and coyotes."
"On the range!" cried Donald.
"Where else?"
"But I never thought of such animals being on the range!" murmured the boy.
Sandy flashed him a smile.
"You're no in a city park here, laddie," he observed emphatically. "There are all sorts of prowling creatures abroad at night. They are not after us—never fear. It is the poor, helpless sheep they are after."
"Do you suppose, Sandy, that I shall see a bear?" asked Donald, his eyes sparkling.
"Verra likely. For your sake I hope you may; for the sake of the herd I hope not. I have seen many on the range and have shot not a few. Down at the ranch I have a long chain made of bears' claws."
Donald's eyes opened wider and wider.
"I'd like to see a bear," cried he. "Just see him, you know—not have him hurt the sheep."