"RUN F0R Y0UR LIVES!"

Baree stood rigid and motionless now. In amazement he watched the fourlittle beavers plunge into the pond and disappear. He heard the soundsof other and heavier bodies striking the water. And then there followeda strange and disquieting silence. Softly Baree whined, and his whinewas almost a sobbing cry. Why had Umisk and his little mates run awayfrom him? What had he done that they didn't want to make friends withhim? A great loneliness swept over him--a loneliness greater even thanthat of his first night away from his mother. The last of the sun fadedout of the sky as he stood there. Darker shadows crept over the pond.He looked into the forest, where night was gathering--and with anotherwhining cry he slunk back into it. He had not found friendship. He hadnot found comradeship. And his heart was fairly sorrowful.

CHAPTER 7