age of every bush, and rock, to screen its advance. As Dusty Star
watched the two animals approaching the same point from different
directions, it seemed almost impossible that neither of them should be
conscious of the other's presence. Yet it only needed a few moments'
observation to convince him of the fact. He grew more and more excited.
Which of the two stalking animals would be the first to catch sight of
the other? And what would happen when it did?

Nearer to the prey crept Kiopo; and still nearer to Kiopo crept the
other wolf.

_Was_ it a wolf? As it glided over an open piece of ground from bush to
bush, Dusty Star started. In the animal's shape and movements there was
something strangely familiar. The next moment, he knew in a flash that
the supposed wolf was a big husky, and that, moreover, the husky was
none other but Stickchi himself.

If he had been excited before, he was doubly excited now. When the
moment came that Kiopo found himself face to face with his hated enemy,
Dusty Star knew that it must be a fight to the finish.

By this time Stickchi had reached the point where he must come into open
view of the lower part of the gully along which Kiopo was travelling.
All at once, Dusty Star saw him stop dead, and stiffen into attention.
He was too far off to note the sudden rising of the hackles between his
massive shoulders or to catch the smothered growl that was rumbling in
his throat. But, even at that distance, he could read perfectly what had
happened. _Stickchi had seen!_

And still Kiopo kept moving on, utterly unconscious of the danger in his
rear.

Instantly Stickchi altered his tactics. Hitherto he had only watched the
game. Now he had a more absorbing interest--Kiopo himself! Dusty Star
watched him slightly change his course, and then move forward again with
redoubled caution. From this onward, the advantage, what ever might
happen afterwards, lay entirely with the husky. Dusty Star's heart began
to beat wildly. A lump rose in his throat. Suppose Kiopo should be taken
unawares? A wild desire to warn his friend surged through him. But how
to convey that warning? If he shouted, his voice might reach other ears
than those for whom it was intended, and bring some Indian to the spot.
He ran the same risk if he ventured out into the open and tried to warn
Kiopo by signs. There seemed nothing to be done but to wait, and let
things take their course.

All this time the rabbit had continued washi