He did not trot, but walked with a deliberate gait, as if he felt the
importance of being the leader of such a party.

"It must be a wild animal," said Sam, in an undertone, "or Bowser
wouldn't act that way."

"It's the bear, of course; see that your guns are ready, and when you
fire be sure you don't miss," warned Herbert.

An idea suddenly occurred to Nick Ribsam.

"All wild animals are afraid of fire: let's each take a torch to keep
him off."

The others eagerly caught up a blazing brand and strode forward with
more confidence than ever.

Herbert Watrous, who was sensible that he had not made such an
exhibition before the others as he desired, placed himself at the head
of the little company.

He hardly would have done this, had he not been certain that the flaming
brands would act as a shield to keep away the wild animal, whatever its
nature.

Each lad found it a little awkward to carry his loaded and cocked rifle
in one hand and the flaming stick of wood in the other. It cannot be
said there was any special difficulty in the task itself, but if a
crisis came the boy would have to surrender one of his weapons.