"Now what do you s'pose that was, Joe ?" he exclaimed.
"I--I don't know." "It sounded," said Billy, "just as the schoolmistress did when she stepped on a snake last summer." They sat up to listen; pretty soon they heard the noise again, this time much nearer.
"It's coming this way, Joe!" Billy whispered.

"What do you s'pose it is ?" They continued to listen, and soon they heard a short, ugly shriek close by in the woods.
"Joe, I'm afraid that's a catamount," Billy said unsteadily.
The old Squire picked up the useless gun and sat with it in his hands.
For some time there were no more outcries; but after a while they heard the crumpling of snow and the snapping of twigs behind the camp.

Some large animal was walking round; several times they heard the sough of its breath.
"Joe, I'm scared!" Billy whispered.
The old Squire was frightened also, but he opened the door a crack and peered out.

On the snow under the birch-trees he could distinguish the dark form of a large panther.

It had seen the door move and had crouched as if to spring.