30/34 They were not afraid, but they could not help a feeling of weariness, and they edged nearer the hunter for the comfort of his presence. For a long time they watched, sitting silent; and by-and-by the fires on the islands died down one by one, until only the flare on the bank remained as a beacon to those on the river. Then the sound of paddling drew near again. There came a sniff, a snap of the jaws, and a whimper. The hunter shifted his rifle till it pointed through the boughs. |