I listened attentively, surveying the surrounding landscape on all sides with the close scrutiny of an experienced hunter, who had enjoyed many a lesson from the Indians.

The piled-up rocks, scanty herbage, leafless and motionless trees gave no sign of life.

No sound broke the intense solitude.

Then, with startling suddenness, another cry, louder and more agonising than the former, echoed across the waste, and this was followed by a deep significant growl.
I knew at once that the voice was that of a human being, and I knew equally well that the growl proceeded from a bear.

I had heard that a big "grizzly" had been seen in the neighbourhood, and that a party had been organised to track him to his lair, but had failed to come to close quarters with the wily old fellow.
As these thoughts shaped themselves in my mind there came a shrill and piercing shriek which set every nerve in my body tingling.