THE NIGHT WATCH. 307 



tably resolved to remain there until night ; otherwise he 

 would have torn me to pieces immediately. 



" Towards evening, I heard a distant roar, which 

 appeared to vex my guardian greatly. From the intona- 

 tion of the voice I knew it was that of a she-bear, and 

 I thought she must be in search of her companion. The 

 latter rose and lay down several times, going to and fro 

 with a wild fierce air, and smelling the ground, as if he 

 were troubled in mind, and undecided ; but he remained 

 silent, and the female's voice gradually grew weaker. It 

 was at this part of the day that I felt the liveliest anxiety ; 

 for if the Grisly had replied to his mate, and had summoned 

 her to the spot, she would have thrown herself without 

 delay, as she was probably hungry, on the dainty supper 

 which her lord had reserved for her. From all ap- 

 pearances, I judged that the old scoundrel had 'the same 

 idea, and thought it prudent to hold his peace. 



" The night at length arrived. The stars shone, but no 

 moon appeared in the sky. Even at a short distance I 

 could only perceive objects very dimly, and in the east 

 nothing was visible but the outline of the hills. The 

 Grisly, still immovable, formed a confused mass close at 

 hand. I was certain that he did not sleep, but watched 

 my every movement. At intervals, his eyes, turned 

 towards me, shone like burning coals. I had but one 

 chance of safety ; by remaining motionless and silent, I 

 hoped to fatigue him, or, at least, to prevent him from 

 flinging himself upon me, until some accident or other 

 might attract him elsewhere. But, not to lose this last 

 chance, I had to keep awake, a very difficult thing. For 

 I was thoroughly spent and weary, not having slept for 

 thirty-six hours, nor eaten for twenty -four ; what cruel 



