, and great rocks often obstructing the way. Here the trail
of the deer they were following was lost amid the tracks of others which
had gone into the deep rugged gullies to escape the stinging wind.

"We may as well give it up, Ree," said John, as they sat down to rest.

"Oh no, we mustn't give up," Ree answered, "but I'll tell you what we'd
better do. It is more than likely the Indians will be out in snow shoes
the same as we are, and they may want to swap some dollar furs for penny
knick-knacks this afternoon. One of us should be at the cabin."

"I'll go," John willingly responded, for he liked to trade with the
Indians, and could make much better bargains than Ree; not but what he
was honest, but because Ree was so generous that he was often imposed
upon.

"Will you stop for the venison we left in the tree?" Ree asked.

"I think I'd better; there is no knowing where you will be when you find
that wounded deer! But don't stay out all night!"

With this sally John started homeward, and Ree resumed his search for
blood-stains in the snow which would show him the trail he sought. Going
about among the rocks he discovered an opening about half the size of a
door which seemed to lead straight back into a rocky cliff.

"Some sort of a cave," he mused, inspecting it more closely and looking
into it. He saw nothing, and, stooping down, ventured in a little way.
His eyes accustomed to the bright light of the snow, he was unable to see
anything in the darkness, or he might not have been so bold; for the next
moment a chorus of fierce growls caused him to retreat.

"Bears, or wolves--bears, most likely," said Ree to himself. "At least if
they are wolves there should be tracks about the mouth of the cave. I
must remember this place."

Having first looked about to make sure of the exact location of the
cavern, and resolving to explore it at some future time, the youthful
hunter hurried on. Under a clump of low pines he presently discovered a
herd of seven deer. One lagged behind, as they fled at his approach, and
Ree knew at once that it must be the wounded animal. He followed at the
best pace possible, but the deer was soon lost sight of, though the poor
thing had a difficult time of it to make any progress through the crusted
snow.

However, Ree kept to the trail for he was sure the doe could not go far;
yet hour after hour passed and he saw no hope of accomplishing his
purpose. Had it not been that the deer was trave