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Show 46 a large animal. The branches rustled and shook once more. Josh stiffened, brought the covers over his face, and lay trembling. Whatever it was, it sounded like it was gathering itself for the charge. Chinook now raised his head to stare alertly at the sounds. Josh was glad he had his big dog by him in case it was a bear. Once more Josh reached to wake Cap, who snored on. Then he hesitated. He was afraid, but he didn't want Cap to know. And he certainly was not going to admit he was a tenderfoot. Every instinct told him to lie down and cover his head. Maybe the animal would go away. Tomorrow they could find its tracks and Cap would know what it was. But Josh decided he could not just cover up and hope the intruder would go away. Somehow, even without Cap, he had to find out what it was. Even if he was attacked, he had Chinook, and he had his belt knife. Nevertheless his chin was quivering as he slowly unzipped the sleeping bag and got on his shoes. Luckily he had slept in his levis and flannel shirt. He didn't bother to tie his shoelaces. In slow motion he stood up. When he snapped his fingers, Chinook came to his feet, wagged his tail and nudged the boy affectionately. Then the dog resumed staring at the sounds. Malamutes seldom bark, but a whimper rattled deep in the dog's throat as he sniffed into the darkness. Josh held his breath as another stick cracked from the next tree. Finally, wetting his lips, he took a step forward. With no moon he could see nothing but the blurred shape of the pinyon tree |