Dale whistled and called, but the rival pets did not return.

Next morning Tom was there, curled up snugly at the foot of Bo's bed, and when she arose he followed her around as usual.

But Muss did not return.
The circumstance made Dale anxious.

He left camp, taking Tom with him, and upon returning stated that he had followed Muss's track as far as possible, and then had tried to put Tom on the trail, but the cougar would not or could not follow it.

Dale said Tom never liked a bear trail, anyway, cougars and bears being common enemies.