s of the aloes, and now
whispering to each other the various plans of escape that suggested
themselves. But all these plans ended in the faint hope that the bears
might make a temporary absence from the ravine, and give them a chance
to pass down. They could think of no other mode of extricating
themselves from their dilemma.

At times the idea occurred to Basil, of taking good aim, and firing at
one or other of the huge animals. Francois applauded this idea, while
Lucien as strongly opposed it. The latter argued that it would only
irritate the bears, and bring them up at once--that there was no chance
of killing any of them by a single bullet, unless it passed through the
brain or the heart; and this, aiming, as they must do, over a cliff, was
a very problematical affair. Even should one fall, the others would
avenge the death of their comrade. A volley would not be likely to kill
them all.

Lucien's arguments prevailed; and the less prudent brothers gave up
their idea of firing, and remained, silently gazing down as before.

They lay for nearly half-an-hour watching and waiting. The bears
finished their meal, having devoured every bit of the meat. Were they
satisfied? No. A shoulder of mutton is but a morsel to the ravenous
appetite of a grizzly bear; and it seemed only to have set theirs upon
edge. They guessed whence their lunch had come--from above--and there
was the place to go in search of their dinner. They looked up. The
boys suddenly drew back their heads, hiding them behind the leaves. It
was too late. The bears had seen them, and the next moment were
galloping upward!

The first thought of our hunters was to fly, and with this intention
they all sprang to their feet. But Basil, with a feeling of rage, was
determined to try whether a rifle-bullet might not serve as a check to
the advancing enemy. He levelled down the pass, and fired. His
brothers, seeing him do so, followed his example--Francois emptying both
barrels that had been loaded with buck-shot. One of the bears--the cub
it was--tumbled back down the ravine but after the volley the largest of
all was seen clambering up, growling fiercely as he came. The hunters,
not having time to reload, ran off over the table--scarcely knowing what
direction to take.

When they had got half-way across it, all three stopped and looked back.
The foremost bear was just rising above the cliff; and the next moment
his long body was stretched out