100 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



THE SAILOR AND THE BEAR. 



and rugged hummocks, brought him within a. few yards of the 

 enemy, which, to his surprise, undauntedly faced him, and seemed 

 to invite him to the combat. His courage being by this time 

 greatly subdued, partly by evaporation of the stimulus, and partly 

 by the undismayed, and even threatening aspect of the bear, he 

 levelled his lance in an attitude suited either for offensive or de- 

 fensive action, and stopped. The bear also stood still. In vain 

 the adventurer tried to rally courage to make the attack ; hia 

 enemy was too formidable, and his attitude too imposing. In 

 vain, also, he shouted, advanced his lance, and made feints of 

 attack ; the enemy, either not understanding, or despising such 

 unman] iness, obstinately stood his ground. Already the limbs 

 of the sailor be^an to quiver ; but the fear of ridicule from his 

 messmates had its influence, and he yet scarcely dared to retreat. 

 Bruin, however, possessing less reflection, or being regardless of 

 consequences, began with audacious boldness to advance. Ilia 

 nigh approach, and unshaken step, subdued the last spark of 

 bravery, and that dread of ridicule, which had hitherto upheld 

 our adventurer: he turned and fled. But now was the time of 

 danger. The flight of the sailor encouraged the bear, in turn, to 

 pursue, and, being better practised in snow travelling, he rapid/y 

 gained upon tho fugitive. The whale-lance, his only weapon of 

 defence, encumbering him in his retreat, he threw it down, and 



