about noon
Jean in his eagerness went ahead and the father watched his boy with pride as he followed the indistinct tracks with swiftness and sureness . Finally the bear led them up one of the numerous mountains that are a feature of this country , as you know . Soon the tracks could be followed only with the greatest difficulty . Pierre was soon in the van and about noon he stopped dead and pointed off about half a mile where they saw the bear himself busy tearing away at another rotting tree . `` As they were somewhat to the windward side of the bear , they turned off and went down the valley . An hour 's swift walking and climbing brought them out on the ridge on which they had seen the bear . Jean in his eagerness had gone ahead again .