Instead of retreating from the latter, as the boys expected, the upright figure stood still.

To their further astonishment, the two animals ran up to it, and appeared to leap against it, as if making an attack upon it! But this could not be--since the figure did not move from its place, as one would have done who had been attacked.

On the contrary, after a while, it stooped down, and appeared to be caressing them! "A man and two dogs," whispered Francois; "perhaps an Indian!" "It may be a man," returned Lucien, also speaking in a whisper.

"I know not what else it could be; but those _are no dogs_, or I never saw such." This Lucien uttered with emphasis and in a serious tone, that caused the brothers to draw closer to each other.
During all this time Marengo stood by, restrained by them from rushing forward.

The dog had not awaked until the first cry of Francois roused him.