l of a tree, that his owner had been obliged to kill
him.

As one ox could not draw a wood-wagon, the occupation of both squatters
as wood merchants was gone--and even farm operations were likely to
suffer. Each soon heard of his neighbour's predicament; and proposed to
himself to make a bargain for the remaining ox, that he might be the
possessor of the pair, continue his clearing prosperously, and command
the wood-hauling business. But, as one might suppose, where both
parties were so fully bent upon accomplishing their own ends, the trade
was no nearer a conclusion when a dozen negotiations had taken place
than at first. So matters stood in _statu quo_, the days rolled by, and
our two squatters found their condition waxing desperate.

One fine morning, squatter the first started off to make a last
attempt--determined to close the bargain peaceably if he could, forcibly
if he must. Revolving project upon project in his mind, he had
traversed the two or three miles of woodland which lay between him and
his neighbour's clearing, and was just entering it, when a sudden rustle
and significant growl coming from behind broke in upon his reverie.
Turning hastily, he saw almost at his heels a bear of the most
unprepossessing aspect. To reach the cabin before Bruin could overtake
him was impossible; and to turn upon the creature would be folly: for,
in the depth of his deliberation, he had forgotten on leaving home to
take any kind of weapon with him. Some dead trees had been left
standing in the field, and to one of these he sped with flying steps,
hoping to find shelter behind it till help could come. He did not hope
in vain for this protection. He found that by pretty active dodging, he
could keep the trunk of the tree between himself and the bear--whose
brain could hardly follow the numerous shifts made by the squatter to
escape the frequent clutches of his claws. Rising indignantly upon his
hind legs, the bear made a fierce rush at the squatter, but hugged only
the tough old tree, in whose bark he buried deep his pointed claws. An
inspiration flashed through the squatter's mind, as he saw the bear
slowly and with some difficulty dragging out his nails; and seizing
Bruin's shanks just above the paws, he braced himself against the tree,
resolved to try and hold the claws into their woody sockets until his
neighbour could respond to his halloos for help.

The other squatter heard his cries; but instead of hasteni