o each other.

During all this time Marengo stood by, restrained by them from rushing
forward. The dog had not awaked until the first cry of Francois roused
him. He was wearied with the long gallop of the preceding days; and,
like his masters, had been sleeping soundly. As all started almost
simultaneously, a word from Basil had kept him in--for to this he had
been well trained--and without a signal from him he was not used to
attack any creature, not even his natural enemies. He therefore stood
still, looking steadily in the same direction as they, and at intervals
uttering a low growl that was almost inaudible. There was a fierceness
about it, however, that showed he did not regard the strange objects as
friends. Perhaps he knew what they were, better than any of the party.

The three mysterious creatures still remained near the same spot, and
about fifty yards from the boys. They did not remain motionless though.
The two smaller ones ran over the ground--now separating from the
upright figure and then returning again, and appearing to caress it as
before. The latter now and then stooped, as if to receive their
caresses, and--when they were not by--as though it was gathering
something from the ground. It would then rise into an upright position,
and remain motionless as before. All their manoeuvres were performed in
perfect silence.

There was something mysterious--awe-inspiring in these movements; and
our young hunters observed them, not without feelings of terror. They
were both puzzled and awed. They scarcely knew what course to adopt.
They talked in whispers, giving their counsels to each other. Should
they creep to their horses, mount, and ride off? That would be of no
use; for if what they saw was an Indian, there were, no doubt, others
near; and they could easily track and overtake them. They felt certain
that the strange creatures knew they were there--for indeed their
horses, some thirty yards off, could be plainly heard stamping the
ground and cropping the grass. Moreover, one of the two animals had
touched and smelt Francois; so there could be no mistake about _it_
being aware of their presence. It would be idle, therefore, to attempt
getting off unawares. What then? Should they climb into a tree? That,
thought they, would be of just as little use; and they gave up the idea.
They resolved, at length, to remain where they were, until they should
either be assailed by their mysterious ne