er bear; and after a little hesitation, Fabens took aim
and fired. But his hand shook, and his shot was lost in the air; and
Uncle Walter fired, and snap--crash--bound--came the other bear. The
dogs rushed upon her, and flew back in full shriek. Then Fabens showed
courage, and made up to her, before knowing the danger, and the wounded
bear uttered a horrible growl, and gave him chase!

Terror was up in a moment, and leaped from heart to heart. Away
bounded Fabens, and closely on his heels bounded the grim and
open-mouthed bear. Over a rock he leaped, round a tree he ran, and the
bear bounded after. Then came dogs and men, and were repulsed with
shrieks and ejaculations. Then they renewed the attack; and as old
Spanker caught her by the leg, and she turned upon the dog in fury,
Colwell put a ball through her head, and the fearful chase was over.

"A narrow squeak for you, Fabens," said Wilson, "a very narrow squeak."

"Too narrow, I declare," said Uncle Walter. "I cannot stand that, I
must set down. I thought Matthew was a gonner, and the fright takes
the tuck out o' my old knees."

"I never was so scart afore," said Flaxman; and, "You'll not call me
fool, if I sit down too," said Fabens, with white lips. "I am not used
to this as you are. It is too rough, too rough for a new settler;" and
down he threw himself by Uncle Walter; while the others, declaring two
were enough for that night, gathered up the guns and axes, and, when
the bears were dressed and hung up on trees, the company left the
woods, declaring they would have a grand feast, and pay Fabens for his
fright, if he would meet them at Mr. Waldron's the next evening.

Recovering a little from his fainting terror, Fabens joined their
conversation, as they returned to their homes; and long before his eyes
found the first wink of sleep, his mind wandered in perilous
adventures, and in pleasant and unpleasant thoughts of the wild forest
life. He would attend the supper at Mr. Waldron's; he would try to
contribute his share of talk and enjoyment; but on another bear-hunt he
resolved never to go.

[1] A barbarous way of killing pigeons caught in a net.

IV.

A FEAST AND A STORY.

Morning returned; the day rolled away; and the appointed evening found
the hunting party at Mr. Waldron's, and the sweet metheglin went round
in flowing bowls; and all were jovial and ready with talk, and wit, and
glee. The table was spread with luxuries. The