ppeared feeble and distant--
not louder than the mewing of a kitten. The animal was evidently far
off in the forest. They knew, however, that it could soon traverse the
ground that lay between it and their camp. They listened. A second
scream sounded nearer. They sprang to their feet, and listened again.
A third call appeared more distant. This, however, arose from a
misconception on their part. They forgot that their _ears were now
farther from the ground_.

They stood a moment gazing on each other with looks of terror and
apprehension. What was to be done?

"Shall we mount our horses and fly?" asked Basil.

"We know not what way to go," suggested Lucien. "We may ride right into
its teeth!"

This was likely enough; for it is a singular fact that the scream of the
cougar, like the roar of the lion, seems to come from any or every side.
It is difficult to tell in what direction the animal is who utters it.
Whether this illusion be produced by the terror of the listener is a
question yet unsolved.

"What can we do?" said Basil. "Taking to a tree is of no use. These
animals can climb like squirrels. What can we do?"

Lucien stood silent, as if considering.

"I have read," said he, at length, "that the cougar will not cross fire.
It is the case with most animals, although _there are exceptions_. Let
us try that. Hush! Listen!"

All three remained silent. Again the cougar uttered his wild note,
still far off.

"You hear," continued Lucien; "he is distant yet. Perhaps he is not
coming this way. It is best, however, to be prepared while we have
time. Let us try the _circle of fire_!"

Both Basil and Francois understood what their brother meant. All three
flung down their rifles and, rushing among the trees, collected dry wood
in armfuls. Fortunately, this was in abundance near the spot. Some
dead trees had fallen long ago; and their branches, breaking into pieces
as they fell, covered the ground with numerous fragments just fit for
firewood. In the large pile already blazing, there was no lack of
kindling stuff; and in a few minutes a complete circle of fires, almost
touching one another, burnt upon the ground.

The boys had lost no time, working as if for their lives. It was well
they did so; for the voice of the cougar, that they had heard at
intervals, each time growing louder, now echoed through the aisles of
the forest, drowning all other sounds. Strange to say, the howling of
the w