mean?

"I'll give him another, and if that don't answer--"

From out the gloom in front he discerned a figure advancing upon him,
but a second glance showed that it was a man instead of a wild animal.

"Hallo, my friend? what are you firing at?"

The voice was such a cheery one that the courage of Herbert instantly
came back, and it may be said that he was never gladder in all his life
to see a person.

"Why, I thought that was a wild animal--that is, a bear, in the path in
front of me; what is it?"

The man laughed heartily.

"The path makes a little bend right there, so it is not in, but beside
the path; it is an oak stump on which you have been wasting your lead."

"But those glaring eyes--"

"That is fox-fire, which does look odd in the night-time."

"But I heard it growling."

"Be assured it was all imagination, my young friend; there is no bear or
wild animal near us--at least he hasn't shown himself yet."