rt, "we'd better gather more wood, build our wall
higher and save ample fuel for the fire."

The other two found the suggestion good, and all three acted upon
it promptly, ranging through the forest about them in search of
brushwood, which they brought back in great quantities. Robert's blood
began to tingle with the activity, and his spirits rose. Now the snow,
as it drove against his face, instead of making him shiver, whipped
his blood. He was the most energetic of the three, and went the
farthest, in the hunt for fallen timber.

One of his trips took him into the mouth of a little gorge, and, as
he bent down to seize the end of a big stick, he heard just ahead a
rustling that caused him with instinctive caution to straighten up and
spring back, his hand, at the same time, flying to the butt of the
pistol in his belt. A figure, tall and menacing, emerged from the
darkness, and he retreated two or three steps.

It was his first thought that a warrior stood before him, but reason
told him quickly no Indian was likely to be there, and, then, through
the thick dusk and falling snow, he saw a huge black bear, erect on
his hind legs, and looking at him with little red eyes. The animal was
so near that the lad could see his expression, and it was not anger
but surprise and inquiry. He divined at once that this particular bear
had never seen a human being before, and, having been roused from some
warm den by Robert's advance, he was asking what manner of creature
the stranger and intruder might be.

Robert's first impulse was one of friendliness. It did not occur to
him to shoot the bear, although the big fellow, fine and fat, would
furnish all the meat they needed for a long time. Instead his large
blue eyes gave back the curious gaze of the little red ones, and, for
a little space, the two stood there, face to face, with no thought of
danger or attack on the part of either.

"If you'll let me alone I'll let you alone," said the lad.

The bear growled, but it was a kindly, reassuring growl.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I was looking for wood, not for bear."

Another growl, but of a thoroughly placid nature.

"Go wherever you please and I'll return to the camp with this fallen
sapling."

A third growl, now ingratiating.

"It's a cold night, with fire and shelter the chief needs, and you and
I wouldn't think of fighting."

A fourth growl which clearly disclosed the note of friendship and
understanding.

"W