It was impossible to miss, even with such an unsteady aim, and the lad had not a particle of doubt that he had hit him; but had he inflicted a mortal wound?
Without waiting an unnecessary second, Herbert flung out the shell of the cartridge and placed a new one in the breech. His hands trembled so that he could hardly keep from dropping it, but he succeeded better than would have been supposed.
Once more the gun was raised, and the leaden missile was buried in the dark object.
But it did not stir, and the amazed lad was transfixed. What did it mean?
"I'll give him another, and if that don't answer--"
From out the gloom in front he discerned a figure advancing upon him, but a second glance showed that it was a man instead of a wild animal.
"Hallo, my friend? what are you firing at?"
The voice was such a cheery one that the courage of Herbert instantly came back, and it may be said that he was never gladder in all his life to see a person.
"Why, I thought that was a wild animal--that is, a bear, in the path in front of me; what is it?"
"The path makes a little bend right there, so it is not in, but beside the path; it is an oak stump on which you have been wasting your lead."
"That is fox-fire, which does look odd in the night-time."
"Be assured it was all imagination, my young friend; there is no bear or wild animal near us--at least he hasn't shown himself yet."
"Well, I'm blamed glad to hear it, for there isn't much fun in hunting wild beasts when it is too dark to aim well: may I ask how it is you happen along here without a gun?"
"I live only a little ways off, and, if you will go back with me, I will be glad to entertain you over night."
"I'm obliged to you, but I have two friends who are expecting me, up by the rock yonder."
"I judged you belonged to the party, but there is only one of them there, unless the other has come since I left. The one named Harper, who called at my house this afternoon, is there, and has started his camp fire. He is impatient for the others to come in, and asked me to tell you, if we met, that he particularly wished you to 'hurry up your cakes'--I suppose you know what that means."
They exchanged pleasant greetings, and separated, each to pursue his own way.