if he should venture within striking distance, the bear would not only
parry his blow, but knock his ineffective cudgel out of his grasp as
easily as though it were a feather.

Still shouting he hardly knew what, the fearless boy ran right up to
the combatant and, so engrossed was Bruin with his two lively
assailants, that he did not notice his coming until he was within a
couple of paces of him.

Then he caught sight of his two-legged enemy, stared at him for a
moment with manifest amazement, let forth an ominous growl, and,
dropping upon all fours, made straight for him with open mouth.

Well was it for Hector that Dour and Dandy were not less strong than
they were active and brave. They sprang upon the bear, one at either
side of his head, and before he could shake himself free, Hector, not
needing to be told that his only safety was in flight, had darted off
at the top of his speed in the direction of the river.

In hot pursuit, the bear followed, with the dauntless dogs hanging to
his flanks and greatly impeding his movements. Otherwise, clumsy
creature though he seemed, he would soon have overhauled his quarry.

Happily, Hector was no less sure than he was swift of foot. There are
few smooth places in the Highlands, and he had learned to race over the
roughest ground without a stumble.

On he went, exulting in his own speed, even though deeply concerned for
his own safety, and after him lumbered the bear, as fast as the
faithful dogs would suffer him to move. Yet, hindered and harried as
he was, Bruin steadily gained on the boy, as the latter could not help
noticing. 'I maun climb a tree!' he panted. 'The creature will na get
me there. Eh, that's a grand tree yonder. I'll rin for it.'

Changing his course slightly, Hector made for a stately pine that held
out welcoming branches at a friendly height from the ground. If he
could reach it and spring into them, he would be able to laugh at his
fierce pursuer's futile efforts to reach him. Summoning all his fast
waning strength for a supreme effort, he dashed towards the tree.

CHAPTER III

A Cold Plunge

Hector had all but reached the pine. In fact, one more stride would
have brought him to its trunk, when his right foot slipped upon one of
the outspreading roots, hidden under a carpet of smooth brown needles,
and he pitched forward, narrowly escaping striking his head against the
massive trunk.

He was little hurt by the fall, but he w