15* THE EASTEEN HUNTERS. 



in sight, and, at the same time, shouting a running 

 fire of observations one to the other. Directions, 

 too, both by voice and gesture, were frequently 

 given to the gun-bearers and others with the hunters, 

 who communicated to the latter the purport of the 

 shouts and telegraphic signals. 



Mackenzie now joined the other two, and all 

 proceeded more leisurely in the track of the bear. 

 By the time they had reached the top of the spur, 

 the bear was said to have entered a thickly-wooded 

 ravine far down the slope. 



" How those little hill-fellows scuttle along ! " 

 said Mackenzie, as they topped the ridge, and took 

 a minute or two's rest. " Why, hanged ! if some of 

 them are not already established on commanding 

 points near the ravine ! " 



" Yes," answered Norman, " they are certainly 

 first-rate hands at marking. It is wonderful how 

 they manage to trace the beast's line by catching 

 occasional glimpses of it. They seem to communi- 

 cate one to the other who has last seen it, and 

 where, and so they combine their sight from different 

 points." 



" I wish to goodness I had their wind and con- 

 dition 1 " sighed the stalwart and somewhat fleshy 

 Scotchman, as he mopped away at his face. " This 

 is killing work ! " 



