39G THE GERMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



as he was powerful, this would, under other circumstances, 

 have been nothing ; for the bear stood wonderfully well 

 for a shot, and could not easily be missed, but Klentzer 

 was totally unarmed, not having even a knife ! Incredi- 

 ble ! is it not? But as Lieut. Payer writes, " the bears 

 always come when one has forgotten all about them." 



Thus Klentzer saw himself unarmed and alone, far 

 from his companions, and close to the bear. Flight is 

 the only, though a doubtful, chance of safety, and the auda- 

 cious thought struck him of plunging down the steep side 

 of the glacier; but he chose the softer side-slope, and began 

 to hurry down the mountain. Upon looking back, after a 

 time, he perceived the great bear trotting behind him at a 

 little distance, like a great dog. Thus they descended the 

 mountain for some time. If Klentzer halted, so did the 

 bear ; when he went on, the bear followed slowly ; if he 

 began to run, the bear did the same. Thus the two had 

 gone some distance, and Klentzer thought seriously of 

 saving himself, as the bear, finding the chase somewhat 

 wearisome, might press close upon his heels. He therefore 

 uttered a loud shout, but the bear, only disconcerted for 

 a moment, seemed to get more angry and approached 

 quicker, so that he seemed to feel the hot breath of the 

 monster. At this dreadful moment — and it was most 

 likely his preservation — he remembered the stories he had 

 heard, and, while running, pulled off his jacket, throwing 

 it behind him. And see! the trick answers: the bear stops 

 and begins to examine the jacket. Klentzer gains courage, 

 rushes on down the mountain, sending out a shout for 

 help, which resounds through the silent region. But soon 

 the bear is again at his heels, and he must throw away cap 

 and waistcoat, by which he gains a little. Now Klentzer 



