He turned toward a tall rock and a black figure sprang up, stared at him a moment or two, and then undertook to run away.  Robert’s rifle leaped to his shoulder, and, at a range so short that he could not miss, he pulled the trigger.  The animal went down, shot through the heart, and then, silently exulting, young Lennox stood over him.

Areskoui had, in truth, been most kind.  It was a young bear, nearly grown, very fat, and, as Robert well knew, very tender also.  Here was food, splendid food, enough to last them many days, and he rejoiced.  Then he was in a quandary.  He could not carry the bear away, and while he could cut him up, he was loath to leave any part of him there.  The wolves would soon be coming, insisting upon their share, but he was resolved they should have none.

He put his fingers over his mouth and blew between them a whistle, long, shrill and piercing, a sound that penetrated farther than the rifle shot.  It was answered presently in a faint note from the opposite slope, and, then sitting down, he waited patiently.  He knew that Tayoga and Willet would come, and, after a while, they appeared, striding eagerly through the forest.  Then Robert rose, his heart full of gratitude and pride, and, in a grand manner, he did the honors.

“Come, good comrades,” he said.  “Come to the banquet.  Have a steak of a bear, the finest, juiciest, tenderest bear that was ever killed.  Have two steaks, three steaks, four steaks, any number of them.  Here is abundant food that Areskoui has sent us.”

Then he reeled and would have fallen to the ground had not Willet caught him in his arms.  His great effort, made in his weakened condition, had exhausted him and a sudden collapse came, but he revived almost instantly, and the three together dragged the body of the bear into the valley.  Then they proceeded dextrously, but without undue haste, to clean it, to light a fire, and to cook strips.  Nor did they eat rapidly, knowing it was not wise to do so, but took little pieces, masticating them long and well, and allowing a decent interval between.  Their satisfaction was intense and enormous.  Life, fresh and vigorous, poured back into their veins.

“I’m sorry our bear had to die,” said Robert, “but he perished in a good cause.  I think he was reserved for the especial purpose of saving our lives.”

“It is so,” said Tayoga with deep conviction.  “The face of Areskoui is now turned toward us.  Our unknown sin is expiated.  We must cook all the bear, and hang the flesh in the trees.”

“So we must,” said the hunter.  “It’s not right that we three, who are engaged in the great service of our country, should be hindered by the danger of starvation.  We ought now to be somewhere near the French and Indians, watching them.”

“Tomorrow we will seek them, Great Bear,” said Tayoga, “but do you not think that tonight we should rest?”

“So we should, Tayoga.  You’re right.  We’ll take all chances on being seen, keep a good fire going and enjoy our comfort.”