men who
were at work in the forest. This was done by taking the other gun from
the boat and heavily loading it with powder. This when fired made a
very loud report. Three times in quick succession did Mrs Ross thus
heavily load the gun and fire. She well knew that if the men were
within hearing the sounds of these three reports, when there were only
two guns, would indicate that something was wrong, and that it was
necessary for them at once to return.

But while the reports were heard by the men and caused them to start on
their return at once, as was desired, they also startled the bear, and
so alarmed and frightened him that he immediately sprang into the water
and began swimming for the mainland.

The situation was exciting and decidedly interesting. Here on the
mainland was a lady and three young children.

Their Indian protectors were a couple of miles or so away in the rear,
and directly in front, swimming toward them, was a great black bear.
When halfway across from the island he veered a little in order to reach
a point of rock that projected out a little from the mainland not two
hundred yards away from where were Mrs Ross and the children. The
majority of people would gladly have let the animal escape. Mrs Ross
and her children, however, were not of this opinion. His skin would
make a beautiful robe, his flesh was good for food, and his fat was the
substitute for lard in that land, and was therefore valuable. Then,
worst of all, had he not eaten the cakes, and especially the jam? So,
of course, mother must shoot him when he comes near the shore, if the
Indians do not arrive in time. Thus thought the children, anyway.

Mrs Ross first took the precaution to load both guns with bullets.
Then launching the canoe, she had her children get into it, and giving
the older two their paddles, which, young as they were, they could
handle like the Indian children, she gave them their orders. She would
go to that point toward which the bear was swimming, keeping herself
well hid from his sight. When he was near to the shore she would fire;
if she did not kill him with the two shots, or only badly wounded him,
she would, after firing, hurry to a spot where they were to wait for her
in the canoe, and then embarking with them they would all be safe on the
water, as they could paddle much faster than the bear could swim, even
if he should try to catch them.

These were wise precautions in case things did not