ther, knocking the breath out of each as he came up to
it, with a single "pat" of his heavy paws.

In less than ten seconds the ground was quite cleared of the ravenous
wolves. Only the dead ones remained on it; while the others, having got
off to a safe distance, halted in straggling groups; and, with their
tails drooping upon the grass, stood gazing back with looks of
melancholy disappointment.

Bruin, meanwhile, having settled his affair with the wounded wolves, ran
up to his mate; and, throwing his paws around her neck, appeared to
congratulate her upon her escape! And now did our hunters perceive that
there were two cubs instead of one--that which still clung fast upon the
mother's back, and another which was seen under her belly, and which she
had been equally protecting against the crowd of assailants that
surrounded her.

Both the little fellows--about as large as foxes they were--now
perceived that they were out of a danger--which, no doubt, they had
perfectly comprehended. That upon the shoulders of the dam leaped down
to the earth; while the other crawled out "from under;" and both coming
together began tumbling about over the grass, and rolling over one
another in play, the parents watching with interest their uncouth
gambols.

Notwithstanding the well-known ferocity of these animals, there was
something so tender in the spectacle, that our hunters hesitated about
advancing. Alexis, in particular, whose disposition was a shade more
gentle than that of his companions, felt certain qualms of compassion,
as he looked upon this exhibition of feelings and affections that
appeared almost human. Ivan was even touched; and certainly neither he
nor his brother would have slain these creatures out of mere wanton
sport. They would not have thought of such a thing under ordinary
circumstances; and it was only from the necessity they were under of
procuring the skin that they thought of it at all. Perhaps they would
even have passed this group; and taken their chances of finding another,
that might make a less powerful appeal to their compassion; but in this
they were overruled by Pouchskin. The old grenadier was afflicted by no
such tender sentiments; and throwing aside all scruple, before his young
masters could interfere to prevent him, he advanced a few paces forward,
and discharged his fusil, broadside at the biggest of the bears.

Whether he hit the bear or not, was not then known. Certain it was that