Liney continued; “That’s what makes me think it’s a charm; for you couldn’t see it in the dark unless it was a charm, could you, Balser?” “I should think not.” “There’s a great big piece of glass, or whatever it is, in the centre of it—as big as a large pea, and around this big piece are four words in some strange language that nobody can make out,—at least, mother says that nobody in this country can make them out. Mother told me that the charm was given to her for me by a gypsy man, when I was a baby. Mother says there’s something more to tell me about it when I become a woman. Maybe that’s the charm of it; I’m sure it is.” And she looked up to Balser with her soft, bright eyes full of inquiry and hope. “I do believe that thing is a charm,” said Balser. Then meditatively: “I know it’s a charm. Don’t tell me, Liney, that you don’t know a lot of things.” Liney’s sad face wore a dim smile of satisfaction at Balser’s compliments, and again they both became silent. Balser remained in a brown study for a few moments, and then asked:— “Where does your mother keep the—the charm?” “She keeps it in a box under my bed.” “Good! good!” responded Balser. “Now I’ll tell you what to do to make it a sure enough charm.” “Yes, yes,” eagerly interrupted Liney. “You take the charm and hold it on your lips while you pray seven times that I may kill the bear. Do that seven times for seven nights, and on the last night I’ll get the charm, and Polly, Limpey, and I will go out and kill the bear, just as sure as you’re alive.” The plan brought comfort to the boy and girl. Soon Liney’s eyes became heavy, and she fell asleep; and as Balser looked upon her innocent beauty, he felt in his heart that if seven times seven prayers from Liney’s lips could not make a charm which would give him strength from on high to kill the bear, there was no strength sufficient for that task to be had any place. Late in the night—nine o’clock—the parents of the children came home. The sleepers were aroused, and all of them tried to tell the story of the Fire Bear at one and the same time. “Tell me about it, Balser,” said Mr. Fox, seriously; for he, too, was beginning to believe in the story of the Fire Bear. Then Balser told the story, assisted by Polly, and the strange event was discussed until late into the night, without, however, the slightest reference to the charm by either Balser or Liney. That was to remain their secret. Mr. and Mrs. Fox remained with the Brents all night, and before they left next morning, Liney whispered to Balser:— “I’ll begin to-night, as you told me to do, with the charm. Seven nights from this the charm will be ready—if I can make it.” “And so will I be ready,” answered Balser, and both felt that the fate of the Fire Bear was sealed. CHAPTER VIII. THE BLACK GULLY.