, I think not," said the lad, whose keen eyes were busy. "I
should say it was only goats. Pst!"

Gedge had been speaking in a low tone, but the "Pst!" was sharply
distinct, and had its effect. For in an instant there was a rush, and
something brown came into sight, making the adventurers present their
rifles in the full belief that they were about to be face to face with
an enemy. But the next moment the object rose up to peer over the
bushes and all around, proving to be a great brown bear, whose little,
pig-like eyes flashed and glistened as it scanned the place, looking
wonderfully human in its actions as it balanced itself upon its
hind-legs, its fore-legs hanging half raised on either side, till it
caught sight of the disturbers of its solitude, when it uttered a
growling grunt, dropped down on all-fours again, and dashed up the slope
towards the mountains.

"Might easily have shot him, sir," said Gedge as the sounds of the
breaking twigs died out.

"Easily," said Bracy; "but we have as much as we can carry now, and--
Hark!"

Gedge was already listening, for, from up in the direction taken by the
bear--which, unfortunately, was the continuation of their route--the
report of a gun rang out, followed by another and another. Then there
was a burst of exultant shouts, and the pair drew back more into
shelter.

"They've hit him, whoever they are, sir," whispered Gedge excitedly:
"and they'll be along here direckly. Which way will you go, sir? We
can't go that."

"Away towards the water, my lad," said Bracy, quickly. "They're coming
down to reach the fort."

He led the way himself now, following the easier portions of the slope,
and when close to where the now narrow river came thundering down, he
plunged in amongst a chaos of creeper and fern hung rocks, down in a
hollow of which they sank into a kneeling position, crouching low and
waiting.

"Well hidden, are we not, Gedge?" whispered Bracy.

"Splendid, sir. Couldn't see us 'less they was close to, and if we kept
our heads down they'd take us then for sheep."

"And fire at us."

"They'd better not!" growled Gedge. "But, say, sir, as we're resting
mightn't we just as well have a bite?"

"Could you eat now?" whispered Bracy.

"Could I eat now, sir?" said the lad wonderingly. "It's couldn't I eat!
My! If you only knew what I've been feeling ever since dinner-time you
wouldn't ask that."

"Go on, then," said Bracy, and as he listened he saw