316 WILD SPORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



any movement. But at all events there we were, and 

 there was the bear arid no one even hinted at a 

 retreat. 



I examined my rifle closely to see that all was right, 

 and as we slowly worked our way forwards, the elder 

 Con well warned me to make sure of my shot, adding 

 drily, by way of comfort, that it would be all the better 

 for me ; for if I missed I should be the first to suffer 

 from the animal's fury. 



We came nearer and nearer to the growling bear, 

 who certainly must long since have heard us, and was 

 now listening with all her might. At length the min- 

 gled whining and growling appeared to be quite close, 

 and holding the torch behind my head, I plainly saw 

 fiery eyeballs. I now halted, cleared the sight of the 

 rifle, which had got clogged with the clay, refreshed my 

 torch, and crept as silently as possible towards the dark 

 mass. 



The decisive moment was come ; and as I could now 

 distinguish the animal's head, through the surrounding 

 darkness, I put myself in an attitude to take aim. The 

 bear had risen on her hind-legs, and sat with their usual 

 swinging motion ; as I was trying to fix one of her eyes 

 with the rifle, she suddenly disappeared through the 

 almost palpable darkness. 



Following her up, we came, upon three, cubs, nice 

 little things, which roared lustily when for the lir>t time 

 they saw a light. These sounds were by no means 

 agreeable to us, for we had reason to fear that the cries 

 of the. cubs might still more eiimge the dam. AVe 

 wished to save them alive, and asked old Conwell to 

 stay with them and quiet them and to make a fire, 



