THE CHAMPION BEAR-SLAYER. 



187 



the dogs in, and attempted to board us over the port gang- 

 plank. The alarm was given. Mr. Dunbar was on deck 

 instantly, with rifle in hand, and shot the bear through the 

 heart at ten paces. It was probably the biggest and most 

 ferocious bear secured on the cruise, and he had been 

 attracted by the quarters of his comrade that were triced up 

 in the fore-rigging. A few foxes were seen, and their tracks 

 quite frequently observed. They seemed to either accom- 

 pany or follow the bears, like pilot-fish with the sharks, and 

 jackals with their ferocious and stronger friends. 



During the summer some of us used to take the skin 

 boats or the dingy, and paddle among the cracks. On one 

 occasion Captain DeLong was alone in the dingy, and was 



A MUTUAL SURPRISE. 



interviewed by a bear who suddenly approached out of the 

 mist and stood watching him in the most dignified manner. 

 The captain retreated in good order. During the summer it 

 was very difficult to get bears, because they could take to 

 the water so readily, and thus cut off their pursuers. Dur- 

 ing the misty times they were very bold, and on one occasion 

 a she bear with two cubs approached the ship to within 400 

 yards of ihe starboard quarter. Fortunately, the dogs were 



