AGAIN ALARMED. 29 



discovered Bruin, whom I had previously been unable 

 to see in consequence of the fire being situated 

 between me and him. His attitude was one of 

 uncertainty ; for though he was hankering after 

 horse-flesh, he seemed to be balancing in his mind 

 whether the reward would be commensurate with 

 the risk. I believe my presence was unknown to 

 him ; however, I soon introduced myself to his at- 

 tention by whirling a burning limb almost between 

 his legs. This demonstration only caused him to 

 change his place. A second fagot I aimed more 

 successfully, for I hit the enemy on the flank, the 

 missile dropping almost under his nose. Such a 

 reception was not to his taste, so he bolted, running 

 as if pursued by a pack of furies. 



While I patted my mare, and spoke to her words 

 of confidence, the mule returned, and as all was 

 quiet, and the animals had apparently recovered 

 from their alarm, I again turned in. 



In all probability two or three hours had elapsed, 

 and the fresh-made fire had subsided from a blaze 

 to a mass of glowing embers, when a second time 

 I was awoke by the agitation of the horses, whose 

 manner seemed to evince their dread of a not far- 

 distant foe. Without moving I peered from under 

 my blanket. The moon had risen, and as less light 

 emanated from the fire, I could see more distinctly 

 than on the former occasion. Some animal was 

 certainly near. I sprang to my feet, gun in hand. 

 A movement behind me attracted my attention in 



