t what
was the matter with the dog. For awhile they could see nothing through
the net-work of trees and branches. But as they came close to the high
steep bank overhanging the brook, they peered forward and caught their
first glimpse of the excited dog. In front of him was a huge fallen
spruce tree, with its roots projecting outward, like spokes in a great
wheel. This tree had been lying there for years, and across it had
fallen numerous small saplings and dead branches, until from a distance
it assumed the appearance of a native African hut.

The roots of this tree were only a few feet from the edge of the steep
gravelly bank, and this, together with a furious gale, had been the
cause of the spruce's fall. Between two of the perpendicular roots,
which were partly embedded in the ground, was a large hole, before
which Gyp was making all the fuss. The stiff hairs on his back stood
straight on end, and he kept leaping constantly forward and backward,
wild with excitement.

With considerable difficulty the captain thrust the dog aside, and with
the rifle firmly clutched in his hands, he stooped in order to obtain a
view of what was within. Scarcely had he done so, ere a deep growl and
roar startled him, while at the same time a large black bear hurled
itself like a catapult from among the roots.

Taken by complete surprise, the captain reeled backward, dropping the
rifle as he did so in an effort to maintain his balance. Before he
could do this, however, he had gone over the edge of the bank, and
after him went the bear. Down that steep incline man and beast rapidly
ploughed their way, taking with them a small avalanche of stones and
gravel. At the bottom of the bank was a pool of water about two feet
deep, and into this they plunged, the captain in a sitting position,
and the bear upon its back. Then followed a wild scramble as each
endeavoured to get out first. The bear succeeded better than the man,
for the captain had injured his knee, which made it difficult for him
to move quickly.

Had this been a young bear he would have taken to his heels at once,
and disappeared among the trees. But being an old-timer, and not a bit
cowardly, he had no intention of running away. He was very angry at
being disturbed when he had his house all ready for his long winter
sleep. Then that tumble down the bank into the water was more than his
bearish nature could stand, and he was ready for fight. He scrambled
out o