"
Yes, a closer view showed the tracks to be a little narrower, a
little closer together, and a little sharper than those he began
with.
Back went Rolf to the last marks that he was sure of, and plainly
read where the buck had turned aside. For a time, things went
along smoothly, Quonab and Skookum following Rolf. The last was
getting very familiar with that stub hoof on the left foot. At
length they came to the "fumet" or "sign"; it was all in one
pile. That meant the deer had stood, so was unalarmed; and warm;
that meant but a few minutes ahead. Now, they must use every
precaution for this was the crux of the hunt. Of this much only
they were sure -- the deer was within range now, and to get him
they must see him before he saw them.
Skookum was leashed. Rolf was allowed to get well ahead, and
crawling cautiously, a step at a time, he went, setting down his
moccasined foot only after he had tried and selected a place.
Once or twice he threw into the air a tuft of dry grass to make
sure that the wind was right, and by slow degrees he reached the
edge of a little opening.
Across this he peered long, without entering it.
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