Another source of annoyance was opened to Harvey.  Since the shot at Teddy, nothing had occurred to remind them of the existence of the strange hunter, whose mysterious warnings had accompanied their advent into the country.  Richter could not believe that the man had left altogether, but regarded his actions with considerable equanimity, as it was apparent that his warning shots were intended rather to frighten than to kill.  Harvey never would converse with his wife about this white foe, and had cautioned Teddy not to allude to him in her presence.  The missionary had a strong hope that, some day, he would be brought face to face with this stranger, when an explanation would be secured and the annoyance ended.  He therefore repeated his warning to the Irishman not to shoot the hunter, unless compelled to do so to save his own life; but rather to use every effort to secure him and bring him to the cabin.

About a week after the occurrence narrated, Teddy went fishing, leaving the husband and wife together.  He followed the shore of the river about a half-mile downward, when he settled himself by a huge rock that projected a few feet into the water.  He had just thrown his line into the stream, when he heard the crackling of bushes behind him, and, turning, saw the hunter walking in a direction parallel with the river, with his head bent, as if in thought.  Apparently he was unsuspicious of the presence of any one.

Teddy at once sunk down to screen himself as he watched the movements of his old foe, out of all manner of patience with himself that he had left his rifle at home, and possessed only the arms that nature had furnished him.  Still, he resolved that the man should be secured, if possible.

“Arrah, now, be aisy!” he whispered, “and yees may cotch a fish that didn’t nibble at yer bait.  Whisht! but do ye saa him?  But isn’t he a strappin’ fellow, to be sure—­a raal shark ten foot long, with claws like an alligator!”

The hunter walked but a few rods, when he seated himself upon a fallen tree, with his back toward the Irishman.  This was the coveted opportunity.

“Yees have got the fellow now, Teddy, barring yees haven’t got him at all, but that ain’t saying ye won’t get him.  Be aisy now, and don’t get excited!  Jist be as wise as a rat and as still as a mouse, and ye’ll catch the catamount, if he don’t catch you, that is.”

These self-admonitions were much needed, for the fellow was all tremulous with excitement and scarcely able to restrain himself.  Waiting a few moments until he could tone down his nerves, he commenced making his way toward his victim.  He exercised extreme caution until within a rod, when a twig snapped under his foot.  He made ready to spring, for he was certain of being discovered; but, to his surprise, the hunter made no motion at all.  He evidently was so absorbed in some matter as to be unconscious of what was passing around.