"Here's the snow!" cried Bob, at length.
"Slow—very slow—an' sure," added the trapper.
They had reached the gloomy depths of a dense wood. Here and there were great boulders of odd shapes, and their rugged appearance added to the desolation of the scene.
As they passed one of these, a long, low growl suddenly caused them to turn. But a few paces distant stood a huge wildcat. Its paws rested on a partly devoured rabbit, and, angry at being disturbed, the animal crouched low, while its long tail moved slowly forth and back.
With flattened ears and glaring eyes, it presented a terrifying sight, and, thoroughly startled, Bob Somers involuntarily stepped backward.
"Leave it to me!" yelled Yardsley.
But as he spoke, the dull, tawny-colored animal, with a snarl, sprang directly toward Bob Somers.