There had been a half a dozen animals in the party; one a big bull, and two calves.
We immediately turned and followed the trail.

It led down to the little lake, where the beasts had spread and grazed on the tender, green blades, and had drunk their fill.

The footprints then came together again, showing where the animals had gathered and walked off in single file to the forest.

Evidently they had come to the pool in the early morning, walking over the game pass from some neighboring valley, and after drinking and feeding had moved into the pine forest to find some spot for their noontide rest.
It was a very still day, and there were nearly three hours of daylight left.

Without a word my silent companion, who had been scanning the whole country with hawk-eyed eagerness, besides scrutinizing the sign on his hands and knees, took the trail, motioning me to follow.