the stranger's body grow limp in his clutch. He felt a thrill of
triumph such as the Hermit certainly had never taught him. But
suddenly, remembering the duty of a noble foe, he rose to his feet,
leaving the stranger lying where he was.

He was not badly hurt. Presently he also rose, sullenly, and pulled on
his cap which had fallen off. John had taken possession of his spear
and bow. He now gravely handed an arrow to the young man.

"You may keep that," he said politely. "I think you can do no harm
with that."

The stranger turned crimson, and his face was wicked to see.

"You shall pay for this!" he spluttered, with sobs in his voice. "No
one can injure me without danger. You shall--"

At this moment, not far away in the direction of the Hermit's hut, a
horn sounded. Once, twice, thrice, it blew vigorously, as if giving a
command. Both John and the stranger started.

"I must go!" muttered the latter to himself. "Needs must at that
call." And without another word or glance at John, he ran to his
horse, which was tethered close by, and was soon galloping away in the
direction of the bugle-call.

Trembling with excitement and with alarm at this coming of strangers to
the forest which so long had been at peace, John hurried back to the
hut. But Bruin remained safe in his tree.