far made Hippy careless, and in a particularly savage blow he threw his
body too far forward, missed the nose, and was obliged to spring towards
the animal to save himself from falling.

Henry, despite his rage and aching nose, did not miss his opportunity.
Both powerful front legs closed about Hippy Wingate like a flash, and
the man and the bear went down together.

CHAPTER VI

CAMPING UNDER THE GIANT PINES

Tom Gray heard the two crash into the bushes, as he was on his way to
the scene followed by Joe Shafto and part of the Overland outfit.

As he went down Hippy had the presence of mind to thrust both hands
under the bear's chin and press upward with all his strength, though, in
that tight embrace, it was difficult to do anything except gasp for
breath and wonder how long it would be before he heard the snap of his
ribs breaking in.

With the bear's breath hot on his face, Lieutenant Wingate afterwards
remembered wondering why it was that Henry did not bite when the biting
was good. Never having bitten a human being and having no recollection,
in all probability, of any associates outside of human beings the bear
may not have been inclined to bite.

On the other hand, the bear's temper appeared to be rising, for his
growls were growing more menacing with the seconds.

"Hindenburg! Sick 'im!" gasped Hippy.

He heard the pup, weak from loss of blood, give a feeble yelp, then a
snarl, and in the next second Hindenburg had fastened his teeth in
Henry's neck.

A heavy paw swept Hindenburg away and left him quivering and moaning.
The respite had been sufficient, however, to enable Lieutenant Wingate
to roll out of the clutches of the beast, but his freedom was brief.
Hippy had hardly sprung to his feet when the bear rose and snatched him
again.

It was at this juncture that Tom and the guide arrived, just in time to
see Hippy Wingate deliver another blow squarely on Henry's all too
tender nose.

"Henry!" yelled the woman. "Let go, Henry!"

Henry plainly was in no mood to let go, and it was evident that it was
now his intention to bite and bite hard, for the snarling mouth was wide
open when Joe Shafto sprang to the rescue. Joe carried a hardwood club,
which she evidently carried as a handy weapon.

"Now will ye mind me!" she shrieked, bringing the club down with a
mighty whack on the bridge of Henry's head. "Take that, and that, and
that!" she added, delivering three more resounding whacks.

H