"But I never thought of such animals being on the range!" murmured the boy. Sandy flashed him a smile. "You're no in a city park here, laddie," he observed emphatically. "There are all sorts of prowling creatures abroad at night. They are not after us--never fear. It is the poor, helpless sheep they are after." "Do you suppose, Sandy, that I shall see a bear?" asked Donald, his eyes sparkling. "Verra likely. For your sake I hope you may; for the sake of the herd I hope not. I have seen many on the range and have shot not a few. Down at the ranch I have a long chain made of bears' claws." Donald's eyes opened wider and wider. "I'd like to see a bear," cried he. "Just see him, you know--not have him hurt the sheep." "Mayhap you'll get your wish." Thus--now talking, now lapsing into big, silent pauses, Donald and Sandy jogged on. At sundown they stopped for the night near a water-hole and here the flock was refreshed by a draught from a clear mountain stream. Then Sandy unpacked his saucepans, built a fire, and fried bacon which he laid--smoking hot--between two slices of bread. Was ever a meal so delicious, Donald wondered! Supper finished, the little portable tent was set up, more wood heaped on the fire, and the camp pitched for the night. Donald was tired out. After the sheep were bedded down around them, he crept only too gladly into his sleeping-bag and was soon oblivious of the range, the herd, and even Sandy himself. * * * * * When he awoke it was with a sense of being cramped within a small space. He opened his eyes. It took him a few moments to collect his wits and remember where he was. Ah, yes! Here was the little low tent over his head, and just outside blinked the embers of the fire where he and Sandy had cooked their supper. [Illustration: THEY STOPPED FOR THE NIGHT] He sat up softly and peered out into the night. The country was flooded with moonlight in the brilliancy of which the ridges of the far-off hills stood out clearly; even the pool in the midst of the pasture caught the radiance and gleamed like a mirror. But amid all the beauty a subtle feeling of solitude oppressed him. It seemed as if he was the only being in the whole world. Further out he leaned. Then he started suddenly. All that great sea of human creatures that had surrounded him when he went to sleep had vanished! Not a sheep was to be seen. Thoroughly alarmed, he turned. "Sandy!" he called. "Sandy!" There was no reply. With growing apprehension he thrust out his hand in the direction where the herder had been lying. The chill of the cold earth met his touch. Terrified he sprang to his feet and bent down in the darkness. There was no one with him in the tent! Sandy and the herd were gone! For a while Donald stood very still. He was really alone, then--alone, miles from the home ranch, and not knowing the way back again! This was his first thought. The next was of Sandy.