EPISODES 479 



ourselves on the best way we could. My companion 

 stopped here and there to pick up a plant and examine it. 

 After a while we chanced to come upon the top of a fallen 

 tree, which so obstructed our passage that we were on the 

 eve of going round, instead of thrusting ourselves through 

 amongst the branches, when, from its bed in the centre of 

 the tangled mass, forth rushed a Bear, with such force, and 

 snuffing the air in so frightful a manner, that M. de T. 

 became suddenly terror-struck, and, in his haste to escape, 

 made a desperate attempt to run, but fell amongst the 

 canes in such a way that he looked as if pinioned. Per- 

 ceiving him jammed in between the stalks, and thoroughly 

 frightened, I could not refrain from laughing at the ridi- 

 culous exhibition which he made. My gayety, however, 

 was not very pleasing to the savant, who called out for 

 aid, which was at once administered. Gladly would he 

 have retraced his steps, but I was desirous that he should 

 be able to describe a cane-brake, and enticed him to follow 

 me by telling him that our worst difficulties were nearly 

 over. We proceeded, for by this time the Bear was out 

 of hearing. 



The way became more and more tangled. I saw with 

 delight that a heavy cloud, portentous of a thunder gust, 

 was approaching. In the mean time, I kept my companion 

 in such constant difficulties that he now panted, perspired, 

 and seemed almost overcome by fatigue. The thunder 

 began to rumble, and soon after a dash of heavy rain 

 drenched us in a few minutes. The withered particles of 

 leaves and bark attached to the canes stuck to our clothes. 

 We received many scratches from briers, and now and 

 then a switch from a nettle. M. de T. seriously inquired 

 if we should ever get alive out of the horrible situation in 

 which we were. I spoke of courage and patience, and told 

 him I hoped we should soon get to the margin of the 

 brake, which, however, I knew to be two miles distant. I 

 made him rest, and gave him a mouthful of brandy from 



