while the bottom of the glen was filled with
snow, how deep it would have been difficult to ascertain. As we drew
nearer we discovered, to our dismay, that this glen ran up between where
we then stood and the cavern, to get to which Short had made a
considerable circuit, though his keen eye had detected it from the hill
on which we were. How to render him the most effectual assistance was
now the difficulty. While some ran round, Obed and I went to the edge
of the glen to fire across it at the bear. As the bear advanced, Short
sprang back and seized the barrel of his rifle to use it as a club. A
walking-cane would have been of about as much use to him. Still he
wielded it gallantly, and gave the bear an ugly knock on the nose. This
naturally enraged Mrs Bruin, and grasping the fire-arm she pressed on.
Poor Sam! One of three dreadful deaths seemed prepared for him, either
to be torn by the bear or to be dashed to pieces down the precipice,
with the very great chance of being shot by us, his friends, should we
attempt to fire at the bear. He dared not look back to see where he was
going, lest the bear should seize him. He felt his left foot over the
edge of the precipice.

"Fire, fire," he shouted, dropping on his knees almost under the bear.
Mrs Bruin had sense enough to know that the consequence of a fall to
her would be very unpleasant, and she was as unwilling as Sam to fall
into the ravine. She therefore instinctively drew back. That instant
one ball entered her head, and another her shoulder. The former from my
rifle staggered her. It prevented her from seizing Short with her
teeth; but what was our terror to see the snow give way under our
companion's feet, and to all appearance inevitable destruction awaiting
him. He struggled violently to save himself, and just as the greater
part of his body was over he caught hold of one of the hind paws of the
bear, who had fallen on her back, and lay kicking furiously in an
attempt to rise. Sam, however, held on with all his might. It seemed
his only chance of safety. I was afraid lest the bear in her struggles
should slip over also.

Neither Obed nor I had been idle while watching the scene. We both
loaded our rifles, and now stood ready once more to fire. By moving a
little on one side, we saw that we could get a good shot at her without
hitting Short. Not a moment was to be lost. Running on I fired, Obed
followed my example. The bear's struggles gr