CHASE OF A BEAR. 93 



the ice mate, being on the mast-head, espied 

 a real bear, and the alarm being immediately 

 given, the men ran helter skelter to the ship, 

 headed by a bull-dog belonging to the Serjeant 

 of marines, which was first on board. Every one 

 below, hearing the rush, flew on deck, and, learn- 

 ing the cause, seized the first gun at hand to 

 prepare for the attack. Meantime the noble 

 animal (a fine polar bear) nothing startled at a 

 hubbub which might well have frightened a 

 legion of his kindred away, approached with 

 deliberate steps nearer and nearer. His gait was 

 loose, and rolling as if weak from hunger, for he 

 rather drew than lifted his huge limbs over the 

 rugged surface ; and still as he advanced, he now 

 raised his black nose and sniffed, and now paused, 

 as appetite or fear prevailed. At length he took 

 courage, and followed up the scent ; till, at the 

 distance of about fifty paces from the ship, he 

 stood like a target to receive the balls which 

 were soon showered on him. He fell, but re- 

 covering his legs, limped, with what strength was 

 left, a short space off. Then, all hurry to pursue, 

 one grasped a handspike, another poised a lance, 

 a third more heedless rushed on with a mere 

 stick to give the coup de grace. The more pru- 

 dent however retained their guns, and a few 

 more shots terminated the sufferings of poor 



