I know how to manage a gun,--hark! what's that ?" "Oh dear, oh dear!" said Sarah, beginning to cry.

"I know it's a bear." "Hush! Let's listen." They listened.

A curious, irregular tramping round broke the stillness.
Gypsy stood up quickly, and put the gun into position upon her shoulder.
"It isn't Tom and Mr.Hallam,--then there would be two.

This is only one, and it doesn't sound like a man, I declare." "Oh, it's a bear, it's a bear! We shall be eaten up alive,--oh, Gypsy, Gypsy!" "Keep still! I can shoot him if it is; but I know it isn't; just wait and see." The curious sound came nearer; tramped through the underbrush; crushed the dead twigs.

Gypsy's finger was on the trigger; her face a little pale.