44 THRILLING ADVENTURES. 



the precipice, had already given warning of the animal's 

 near approach. Malatour became deadly pale ; he, however, 

 held his carbine firmly, in the attitude of a resolute hunter. 



A bear at length appeared, with foaming mouth and glar- 

 ing eyes, at times turning as if he would fain struggle with 

 his pursuers ; but when he saw the bridge, his only way of 

 escape, occupied, he uttered a fearful growl, and raising him- 

 self on his hind legs, was rushing on our two hunters, when 

 a ball struck him on the forehead, and he fell dead at their feet. 



Malatour convulsively grasped his gun he had become 

 completely powerless. Suddenly new cries, louder and more 

 pressing, were heard. 



"Fire, fire! he is on you!" cried the pareur, who ap- 

 peared unexpectedly, pale and agitated, his gun to his shoulder, 

 but afraid to fire lest he should hit his master. 



The latter perceiving his agitation, turned round ; it was 

 indeed time. On the other side of the bridge, a bear, much 

 larger than the first, was in the act of making the final rush. 

 Springing backward, he seized the carbine of the petrified 

 companion, and lodged the contents in the animal's breast ere 

 it could reach them. He rolled, in the death-struggle to where 

 they stood. All this was the work of an instant. The knees 

 of the hardy old pareur shook with emotion at the escape of 

 his master ; as for Malatour, his livid paleness, and the con- 

 vulsive shuddering of his limbs, testified the state of his mind. 



" Take your arms," said the young baron, quickly replac- 

 ing in his hands the carbine ; " here are our comrades they 

 must not see you unarmed ; and, pareur, not a word of all 

 this." 



" Look !" said he to his companions, as they gathered 

 around, pointing to the monstrous beasts "one to each. 

 Now, Monsieur de Malatour, I wait your orders, and am 

 ready to give the satisfaction you require." 



The latter made no reply, but reached out his hand, which 

 Villetreton cordially shook. 



