He felt that he was indeed in a serious predicament. Had he had his pistols, or even a knife, he would have stood some chance to hold his own against the animal, but he had no weapons of any kind. So he simply stood still, at one corner of the pit, and kept his eyes on the two balls of fire. There was silence for a few moments, and then Dick saw the two red spots move, and he was confident they were advancing toward him, slowly but surely. Dick guessed that the animal had likely been but a short time in the pit, and was not hungry, still he realized that he had before him a dangerous antagonist. What should he do? What could he do? He did not feel that he could do anything, but he was tired of standing still, and so he began moving slowly along the wall, his back against it. When he had taken a few steps, his foot struck against something, and feeling down, he found that it was a limb of a tree perhaps as large as his arm. Instantly his heart gave a leap of delight. Likely this was a limb that had been used by the person who dug the pit, to climb up out of the pit on, after shooting an animal that he had trapped, and if Dick could get the limb leaned up against the wall, he might be able to climb out, though he would likely be attacked while trying to do so. He would try, however, and he lifted the limb, and leaned it against the wall, at the corner, and at the same moment he heard the low, menacing growl of the animal. He whirled about, quickly, and yelled “Scat,” waving his arms frantically. The animal slunk away, with a snarl of fright. Then Dick turned, and seizing hold of the stick, began climbing with desperate energy and swiftness. He expected every moment to feel the claws of the animal, but did not, and to his delight he succeeded in reaching the top of the pit and getting out on solid ground. He did not know how long he had been in the pit before regaining consciousness, but guessed it was not long. He heard the growls of the animal and its footfalls as it went running around the pit, but this did not worry Dick now. He was at a point the animal could not reach, and safe from attack. Dick stood there a few moments, listening intently. He did not hear any sounds to indicate the presence in the vicinity of any Indians, or of his friend, Ben. Dick presently gave the signal whistle, the same as Ben had done when searching for him, and listened intently, but heard no response. Again he repeated the signal, with the same result, and he knew that Ben was not within hearing. Dick pondered a few moments. What should he do? Which way should he go? Should he return to Peaceful Valley, or should he go on toward Ninety-Six. What would be Ben’s course? After giving the matter considerable thought, Dick decided to continue onward toward Ninety-Six. He believed that Ben would do the same, and he was eager to find Tom, and was somewhat anxious regarding his fate.