The stranger nearest him could have no thought of his proximity, or he would have taken more care to suppress any noise.

Since he was so much nearer than him on the other side.

Ashman was forced to give his whole attention for the moment to the former's approach.
His suspense was brief, for while he stood with rifle ready, a large puma, or American lion, emerged from a point a couple of rods away, walked in his stealthy fashion to the edge of the river and began lapping the water.
Ashman wished nothing with him in view of more important business elsewhere, and he, therefore, stepped softly back in the wood, before the beast finished drinking.
The puma quickly slaked his thirst, and then, raising his head, looked about him with an inquiring stare as though he scented something suspicious.

He gazed toward the other shore and finally swung himself lightly around, and trotted back to the forest.
Just before entering, he abruptly stopped and looked toward the spot where Ashman was concealed.

He offered a tempting shot, but it hardly need be said that the young man restrained himself, and the next minute the beast vanished..