"That is certainly piling it on some," admitted Dave. "But to-morrow may pass without a thing doing." "More than likely," returned Roger. "Things always happen in bunches, you know." The boys examined the cougar with interest. It was about four and a half feet in length and not unlike a young lion in appearance. It had been hit in the face and in the forelegs, and had died hard. Evidently it had hoped to carry off the slain deer while the young hunters slept. "A cougar has been known to carry off a little child," said Dave. "They are very crafty as well as brave, and will attack both a horse and a man. I think we can count ourselves lucky to come out of this fight without a scratch." "No more sleeping for me without a guard," said Roger. "Let us take turns at staying up and looking after the fire and the horses." And to this the others readily agreed. Morning found them still tired out and willing enough to rest. They got a late breakfast and tethered the horses in a new spot, and cut sufficient firewood to last for twenty-four hours. Nobody thought of doing anything until after lunch, and then Roger suggested they try their hand at fishing in a mountain brook which ran down between the two hills. "All right," answered Dave. "But do you think we ought to leave the camp all alone?" "Oh, I don't think anybody will hurt it in the daylight," answered the senator's son. They had to tramp about a quarter of a mile to reach the stream and then an equal distance to gain a spot that looked suited to their purpose. Phil was the first to throw in, and was rewarded almost immediately by a bite. "This looks as if it was worth while," said Dave, and baited up. Fish were there in plenty, and for an hour the boys amused themselves to their hearts' content. By that time each had a string of fifteen to twenty mountain brook trout of fair size. "We'll have a dandy fish supper!" cried Roger, smacking his lips. "It will be a change from the venison, and I'll be glad of it," returned Dave. "I am going to try my luck for a short while up the stream," called out Phil, who was some distance away from the others. "Don't go too far," said Dave. "I am going to rest here," and he threw himself on the grass, and Roger followed his example. The two boys left behind rested for the best part of half an hour. Then, thinking it was time for Phil to rejoin them, they called their chum's name. No answer came back, and, walking up the stream a short distance, Dave repeated the call. Still there was no reply. "That's queer," he told Roger. "I wonder why he doesn't reply?" "I am sure I don't know," said the senator's son. "Let us look for him." And both started after Phil, wondering what could be wrong. CHAPTER XXVIII UP TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP Dave and Roger walked up the stream a distance of several hundred yards. They continued to call Phil's name, but as before, no answer came back.