That meant the deer had stood, so was unalarmed; and warm; that meant but a few minutes ahead.

Now, they must use every precaution for this was the crux of the hunt.

Of this much only they were sure--the deer was within range now, and to get him they must see him before he saw them.
Skookum was leashed.

Rolf was allowed to get well ahead, and crawling cautiously, a step at a time, he went, setting down his moccasined foot only after he had tried and selected a place.

Once or twice he threw into the air a tuft of dry grass to make sure that the wind was right, and by slow degrees he reached the edge of a little opening.
Across this he peered long, without entering it.