Meanwhile the pattering footfalls in the other apartment continued.
They seemed to be coming nearer, and there was a panting, as though
someone had run far, and was breathing hard.
CHAPTER XVII
IN THE WOODS
"What--what can it be?" faltered Ruth, as she clung to her sister.
"I--I don't know," answered Alice, and her voice was far from steady.
"I wish we hadn't come in here."
"So do I!" Ruth confessed.
Nearer and nearer came the footfalls. Now the girls were able to
distinguish that they were made by some four-footed beast, and not by
a human being, for the sound came in a peculiar rhythm that was
unmistakable. Also there could be heard a panting, sniffing sound,
that could only be made by some beast.
"Oh, if it's a _bear_!" gasped Ruth.
"Silly!" chided Alice. She was less nervous now, for she realized,
with Ruth's remark, that there were no savage beasts in that part of
the country.
"Maybe it's only a cat," Alice suggested, after a moment.
"It's too big and heavy for a cat," objected Ruth. "Oh, there it is!"
she suddenly cried, pointing to the doorway between the two rooms,
and, looking, Alice saw a tawny animal standing looking at them in
the fast falling darkness.
"It's only a dog!" cried Alice, in joyous relief. "A fine dog! Come
here, sir!" she called, for Alice could make friends with almost any
animal.
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