he uttered a low growl.

"What does he hear?" said the captain, after placing the ink to thaw.

"I know," cried Steve, "though I didn't hear it. Andra must have got
out his pipes, and is playing what he calls a chune."

"Very likely," said the captain, turning the ink.

"He doesn't like it," continued Steve. "I wonder any one can bear the
noise."

"Tastes differ, my lad," said the captain. "The men seem to like the
sounds on these long, dark nights. I wish we had some one who could
play the fiddle, too."

"Johannes can, and he has one with him," said Steve eagerly.

"That's good news, for I want the lads to enjoy themselves, and a little
music is the very thing for them. Quiet, dog, quiet! if you mean to
stay here."

For Skene had gone excitedly to the closed door, placed his nose to the
crack at the bottom, and growled fiercely.

"It isn't the pipes," said Steve, springing up. "He hears something.
What is it, Skene?"

"R-rr-rr-ra!" growled the dog in low, menacing tones.

"Now, doctor," said the captain, setting the example of taking his
double gun from the rack and slinging his cartridge-bag over his
shoulder.

The doctor followed the captain's lead, and Steve stepped to the slings
on the other side for his.

"Coats on," said the captain; "it's bitter out on the deck. Keep him
quiet, Steve!"

Steve patted and whistled to the dog, who gave his tail a slow sweep
from side to side, and then stood ready for action, while coats and caps
were donned, and cartridges slipped into the breeches of the pieces.
The captain laid his hand upon the door and was about to open it, when
there was a gentle tap, and the light shone full upon the face of
Johannes.

"What's the matter?" asked the captain sharply. "A bear, I think, sir,"
said the Norseman in a low voice. "The scent of these animals is very
fine, and the smell of the cooking has brought him perhaps. But it is
very dark, and I'm not sure, sir. I hope it is not a false alarm. You
heard it, then?" he said, as it seemed only then to strike him that the
party had risen to go out on deck.

"Skeny heard something and growled!" cried Steve. "Then there is one,
gentlemen," said the man quietly. "Will you come round and listen?"

A word or two given in an impressive whisper to the dog silenced him,
and he followed as if knowing his business exactly--that is, to steal up
to the quarry and wait patiently until the fighting began and his
pent-up exci