Part 16 (2/2)
Frank was distressed.
”I hope they're really big enough to forage for themselves. If there's anything I dislike it's to shoot bird or beast that has young depending upon it. Perhaps the old male may look after them,” he suggested.
”Well,” smiled Mr. Mabie, ”I hardly think that will prove to be the case; at least they don't, as a rule. But I've got an idea the cubs are of a good size, and can find some means of subsisting. For my part, I wouldn't care if every panther in the Northwest were rubbed out. I've no love for the sly beasts. They've robbed me of more than one fine calf, I can tell you.”
After breakfast a hunt was organized.
”We ought to get an elk before leaving up here,” said the stockman as they prepared to go forth again in a squad; ”and as this will be our last day in camp by the falls, we must look sharp.”
”Then we make tracks to-morrow?” asked Frank.
”Hardly that, since we go by water. You've seen the three bullboats yonder. We send our tents and all other things around with the horses, while we shoot the rapids, and enjoy the most exhilarating boat ride you ever dreamed of. Just wait and see, boys. It will be something worth while.”
After all, the stockman was unable to start out with them. He was subject to attacks of rheumatism, due to his age, and many exposures in the past. When one of these came on Mr. Mabie was unable to walk any distance, and, unfortunately, he experienced such an attack that morning.
”Sorry, boys, but it can't be helped. Reddy, here, will have to take my place. You don't need me, that's plain. Only don't be too reckless, now.
That's the fault with most youngsters,” and he shook his head at Bluff, who turned fiery red as his eyes fell upon the panther, which Billy was skinning at that moment.
Of course, Reddy was to act as guide to the party. He had been around the vicinity a number of times. Besides, he knew the habits of the elk, which used this valley for their feeding grounds, and if any one could lead them to success in their hunt it was the young cowboy.
Frank used to look at Reddy, and wonder if he had ever seen him before; but as that was out of the question, he came to the belief that it was simply a matter of resemblance.
”Look there!” exclaimed the guide, before they had gone two hundred steps from the camp, and pointing as he spoke.
”What was it?” asked Jerry eagerly.
”I saw a gray critter slinking away into that thicket!”
”The panther's mate!” cried Bluff excitedly, as he fingered his gun.
”I reckon it was; but we ain't lost no panther, and anyhow, this is a hunt for elk meat. Come along, boys,” remarked Reddy hastily.
They tramped for half an hour steadily, going far beyond where Bluff had had his strange adventure with the wounded elk. Will trailed along in the rear, holding on to his beloved camera. The woods looked as though the recent dry weather had seared the leaves more or less, but they lacked the splendid gorgeous tints of autumn.
More than once the others had to wait for the straggler, or else call to him. He grew so interested in his surroundings, especially when trying to get a view that particularly appealed to his fancy, that he was apt to forget their mission entirely.
Once he aroused himself to the fact that he could no longer see his comrades, or catch a sound of their voices. This disagreeable idea caused him to hurry, and no doubt he became less cautious in navigating some of the various narrow paths, for before he realized that he had started a small avalanche, he was caught up in its gathering swoop, and found himself being carried swiftly down a rather steep declivity, unable to stay his rush.
CHAPTER XV
IN THE RAPIDS
”Give him another call, Frank!”
”That fellow beats all creation for lagging! I believe he'd rather snap off his old camera than eat, any day. If he doesn't look out, that panther may get--Glory to goodness! What's that, Reddy?” cried Jerry.
<script>