They forgot that their _ears were now farther from the ground_.
They stood a moment gazing on each other with looks of terror and apprehension.

What was to be done?
"Shall we mount our horses and fly ?" asked Basil.
"We know not what way to go," suggested Lucien.

"We may ride right into its teeth!" This was likely enough; for it is a singular fact that the scream of the cougar, like the roar of the lion, seems to come from any or every side.
It is difficult to tell in what direction the animal is who utters it.
Whether this illusion be produced by the terror of the listener is a question yet unsolved.
"What can we do ?" said Basil.

"Taking to a tree is of no use.

These animals can climb like squirrels.