SUMMER RETREAT IN ARKANSAS. 39 
and yet, although signs were plenty as “leaves,” not a 
bear was started. Hard swearing was heard, and as the 
vines encircled the 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. [ 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 diree- 
tion the war was raging—and then our party unanimously 
sent forth a yell that would have frightened a nation 
of Indians 
