On the warm ground at the roots of the tree, all unknown to the pursuer and the pursued, a huge she-bear was lying with her two cubs. The Indian was the first to arrive at the spot, and as he darted around the roots the savage animal with a snarl of rage instantly sprang upon him. The growls of the bear and the cries of the warrior instantly produced a deafening uproar. The Indian had been able to draw his knife, and struck at her again and again while the bear held him in one of her most fervent hugs. Peleg, without waiting to learn the result of the startling and noisy contest, instantly turned and ran back over the way he had come. CHAPTER IX AT THE SPRINGS The young scout was breathless and exhausted when at last he arrived safely at the camp. His appearance was such that no explanation was required by Daniel Boone, who was already there. He instantly noticed the wound which Peleg had received on his hand and how blood-stained his clothing was. He asked no questions, however, and at once attended to the wants of his companion. In a short time Peleg had recovered sufficiently to enable him to relate the story of the adventures which had befallen him. "You have lost Singing Susan?" suggested Boone. Peleg nodded in response, but did not speak. "Can you find the place where you dropped her?" "Yes, sir." "And the place where the Indian was hugged by the bear?" Again Peleg nodded. "If you will tell me where the places are I might go to both of them." "Very well," said Peleg quickly, "but I shall go with you." Boone said no more and busied himself in arranging the small packs which the two scouts were carrying. It was not long before Peleg declared he was ready to accompany his friend, and without a further word they departed from their camp. It was not difficult for the young hunter to find his way to the place where the Indian had been seized by the angry mother-bear. Cautiously approaching, both men peered intently about them, but they were unable to discover any signs of either the warrior or the animal that had attacked him. When they advanced to the spot where the tree had been uptorn by the roots they found an abundance of footprints of the bear and also of the moccasined Indian, but that was all. "They both got away," said Boone at last. "Or ate each other up," suggested Peleg with a smile. "We will look for Singing Susan. You lead the way, Peleg."