Perhaps they may go away." As Lucien spoke, the cougars, who had now given up the bear's meat, stealthily approached the fire.

They crept forward like cats, when stealing upon their prey.

At intervals they uttered a strange sound, like the low cough of a person in consumption.

They gave forth another sound, which fell equally strange upon the ears of the hunters.

It resembled the purring of a cat when caressed; but was much louder, and, in the forest, now silent, could be heard at a considerable distance.
It was too plainly heard by those who were near.