Curiosity,--the besetting trait of the cat tribe,--had mastered the crevice's dweller.

The wildcat had wriggled noiselessly forward a little way, to learn what manner of enemy had invaded its lair.

And, peering out, it had beheld a spindling child; a human atom, without strength or weapon.
Fear changed to fury in the bob-cat's feline heart.

Here was no opponent; but a mere item of prey.

And, with fury, stirred long-unsatisfied hunger; the famine hunger of mid-winter which makes the folk of the wilderness risk capture or death by raiding guarded hencoops.
Out from the crevice stole the wildcat.