190 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA. 



snow near the ice, being very white himself, was unob- 

 served until the hunter's approaching footsteps aroused 

 him. There was then a distance of not more than fifty 

 yards between them, and no time for consideration. 



The bear, springing to his feet, made straight for 

 Louis, who met his charge with a slug and brought 

 him to his knees. He was up in an instant, though, 

 and followed the Indian, who had taken to the ice, 

 thinking that in a conflict he would there have the 

 advantage. But in this he found he was mistaken. The 

 bear was quickly overtaking him, being at home on the 

 ice, so he turned and with a second shot again knocked 

 the animal down. 



As Louis made for the shore the bear regained his feet, 

 and with blood streaming from his wounds, and a roar 

 of fury, made one more desperate charge. He was now 

 within a few feet of Louis. The intrepid hunter, 

 realizing his situation as critical, turned quickly and 

 by a well-aimed shot laid his savage pursuer dead at his 

 feet. 



It was a most fortunate shot for our whole party, as 

 well as for the Indian, who, being unable to handle the 

 carcase himself, had returned for assistance, meeting his 

 brother by the way. We all gladly followed him to the 

 scene of the combat, where, judging from the tracks and 

 blood, there was abundant proof of the veracity of his 

 story. 



On a hill near the carcase some dry moss was dis- 

 covered, and with this, even before the skinning had 

 been completed, some of the flesh was toasted and 

 greedily devoured. The reviving effect produced upon 

 the spirits of our party was marked. Though the flesh 



