ped about under the
fearful cutting hoofs.

He struck out viciously, laying open one of the bull's forelegs, but
without avail. In another minute his fate would have been sealed, had
not a deliverer come at the right second.

Suddenly, from out the bushes near at hand, charged another bull moose,
bellowing frightfully as he came. He was not coming primarily to Black
Bruin's assistance, but to do battle with the first bull. One of the
cows by right was his, and he proposed to claim his rights, and battle
for them like the knights of old.

Hearing the challenge and seeing a rival near at hand, the moose left
his victim and charged furiously at the newcomer, while Black Bruin
limped painfully into the bushes, feeling that he had found out
something about the genus moose that it was well to remember.

He did not fully recover from his mauling until he went into winter
quarters.

The following spring when Black Bruin came forth from hibernation, he
made a trip to a distant lake where the moose were often to be found.
He had no mind to molest them, but he did want a certain root which
grew only there.

He went directly to the little pond where he had first seen the bull
moose, and had arrived within a few rods of the shore when his keen ear
caught a slight sound. It was a sound of pain, half-groan and
half-moan. Something was in distress. Distress in the wilderness
usually means a good dinner for some one, so Black Bruin crept
cautiously forward. Soon the wind brought moose-scent to the bear's
nostrils and he was filled with fear and tempted to flee, but still he
could hear deep groans and sighs. Coming to the edge of the water he
peered out through the bushes and discovered the mighty moose helpless
and impotent, mired in a treacherous spring bog. His legs were
entirely buried in the mud, which came up on his sides. He was covered
with foam and sweat, and so weak with thrashing and wrenching, that he
could hardly hold up his great head.

At the sight, hate glowed hot in the small red eyes of Black Bruin. It
was this monster who had so beaten and humiliated him. Now he would
punish him, so he crept cautiously forward.

But the strong wind blew the moose-scent in his nostrils and fear kept
him at bay. Finally the moose also scented the bear and made frantic
efforts to free himself, feeling that he was now helpless and at the
mercy of all; but his efforts were futile and he laid his head wearily
down in