who had just arisen from his supper, and was stretching back his
shoulders.

"I got a licking from a bear to-night--but I don't mind it much since
I've had a snack. But if ever I come across him in the daytime, I'll
show him a thing or two," said Joe, with his fists doubled up.

"Pshaw! do you still entertain the ridiculous belief that it was
really a bear you encountered?" inquired Glenn, with an incredulous
smile.

"I'll swear to it!" replied Joe.

"Let me see your face," remarked Boone, turning him to where there was
more light.

"Hollo! don't squeeze it so hard!" cried Joe, as Boone removed some of
the coagulated blood that remained or the surface.

"There is no doubt about it--it was a bear, most certainly," said
Boone; and examining the wound more closely, continued: "Here are the
marks of his claws, plain enough: he might easily be captured
to-morrow. Who will hunt him with me?"

"I will!" burst from the lips of nearly every one present.

"Huzza--revenge! I'll have revenge, huzza!" cried Joe, throwing round
his hat.

"You will join us?" inquired Boone, turning to Glenn.