The footprints were visible upon the edge of the bank, and at the bottom of the latter was a mass of heavy undergrowth, so dense as effectually to preclude all observation of what might be concealed within it.
It was in the shrubbery, directly beneath him, that Teddy believed the hunter lay.

He must be wearied and exhausted, and no doubt was in a deep sleep.

Teddy was sure, in his enthusiasm, that he had obtained a glimpse of the hunter's clothes through the interstices of the leaves, so that he could determine precisely the spot where he lay, and even the position of his body--so eagerly did the faithful fellow's wishes keep in advance of his senses.
And now arose the all-important question as to what he should do.

He might shoot him dead as he slept, and there is little question but what Teddy would have done it had he not been restrained by the simple question of expediency.

The hunter was alone, and, if slain, all clue to the whereabouts of Mrs.Richter would be irrecoverably lost.