His first supposition was that it was the doings of the Huron.

But what reason could he have had for rearing such a structure?
What possible purpose could it serve him?
All at once it flashed upon the Lieutenant that it was the work of the Shawnees themselves, and he began to view the contrivance with some apprehension.

This feeling was considerably strengthened when he either heard or fancied he heard the movement of some one within it.
Prudence dictated that he should place a little more distance between it and himself.

Accordingly he began to retreat, walking backward and keeping his gaze fixed upon it, ready for any demonstration from his concealed enemies.
Suddenly something within the hollow of the structure fell with a dull thump that nearly lifted the Lieutenant from his feet.

At the same moment he heard a suppressed growl, as if made by a caged bear.