SUMMER RETREAT IN ARKANSAS. 39 



and yet, although sigus were plenty as " leaves," not a 

 bear was started. Hard swearing was heard, and as the 

 vines encircled tlic feet, or caught one under the nose, 

 it was increased. 



In the midst of this ill humor, a solitary bark was 

 heard, — some one exclaimed, that was Bose ! — another 

 shrill yelp— that sounded like Music's ;— breathing was 

 almost suspended in the excitement of the moment, — 

 presently another and another bark was heard in quick 

 succession — in a minute more the whole pack of thirty- 

 five stanch dogs opened ! 



The change from silence to so much noise, made it 

 almost deafening. Nothing but personal demonstration 

 could give an idea of the effect upon the mind of such a 

 pack baying a bear in a cane-brake. Before me were old 

 hunters ; they had been moving along as if destitute of 

 energy or feeling; but now, their eyes flashed, their 

 lips were compressed, and their cheeks flushed; they 

 seemed incapable of fatigue. As for myself, my feelings 

 almost overcame me. I felt a cold sweat stealing down 

 my back, my breath was thick and hot, and as I sus- 

 pended it, to hear more distinctly the fight, — for by this 

 time the dogs had evidently come up with the bear — I 

 could hear the pulsation of my heart. 



One minute more to listen — to learn in which direc- 

 tion the war was raging — and then our party unanimously 

 sent forth a yell that would have frightened a nation 

 of Indians 



