y enjoyed mutton that night, for Frank's mountain
sheep was brought into use. Perhaps it was tough, perhaps the flavor did
not strike the boys quite as favorably as some mutton they had eaten at
home, but such trifles could not dampen their enthusiasm a particle, and
they voted the meal a grand success all around.

Seated about the blaze afterward, they chatted until late. Bluff was
inclined to be a bit moody, and sat by himself, listening to all that
was said, but taking no share in the conversation.

Frank noticed that he seemed to fondle his rifle more than usual, and he
believed the other must be thinking of the elk he had shot, but which
had been stolen by those wandering thieves of Crees.

"He's still worrying about that butcher knife of his," whispered Jerry,
nudging Frank as he spoke. "I wonder will the fellow ever forget it?"

"Now, I was watching him, and, to tell the truth, I fancy Bluff has
become aroused to the delight of bringing down big game. That elk was a
revelation to him. See how he listens while Billy is telling of the
panther tracks he saw not a great way off. I wouldn't put it past Bluff
to aspire to knocking over a panther if the chance ever came his way.

"Huh! I hope he is lucky enough to get a fatal shot in, then; for one of
those gentry is apt to maul a fellow good and hard if only wounded.
Billy has been telling of some fierce times he's had with the beasts.
His arms are all scarred up from deep cuts made by the claws of a
panther years ago," remarked Jerry.

"Whew! Hear what he says? will you?" remarked Frank.

"Why, yes, kid," observed the old cowboy, in answer to a question Bluff
had put, "sometimes I've knowed 'em to jump into a camp and snatch the
meat right from under the nose of a feller. Let a painter git good an'
hungry, an' he ain't afraid of anythin' but fire. Then, ag'in, I've
knowed 'em to act as cowardly as coyotes. I kinder reckon the season has
considerable to do with their actin'."

"But that was only one man. The beast wouldn't dare jump in a camp like
this, no matter how hungry he might be?" continued Bluff, who seemed
strangely interested in the subject, Frank thought.

The old cowpuncher laughed as though amused.

"That's somethin' I'd hate to commit myself on, younker. All I say is a
painter ain't to be depended on. He might prove a coward, like some
cats, and again you'd be fair astonished at his darin'. Long ago I made
up my mind never to give him more of a