We returned to an area where we`d found a fairly fresh track mid-morning, and after some discussion, the boys got the three dogs out, and they eagerly climbed the mountain, giving voice. I had never experienced a hound hunt, and it was pretty cool, listening to the tolling of the dogs as they sorted out the cat`s path. They were silent for several minutes, obviously a bit perplexed, and Jake set off to see where they`d lost the trail. But suddenly, only 300 yards above us, they started the short, choppy barks that indicate they had treed a cat. I was amazed, and incredibly relieved, since they were so close to the road.