226 HUNTING TRIPS 



and ear. A novice at this kind of sport 

 will find it best and safest to keep in mind 

 the old Norse viking's advice in reference 

 to a long sword : "If you go in close 

 enough your sword will be long enough." If 

 a poor shot goes in close enough he will find 

 that he shoots straight enough. 



I was very proud over my first bear ; but 

 Merrifield's chief feeling seemed to be dis- 

 appointment that the animal had not had 

 time to show fight. He was rather a reck- 

 less fellow, and very confident in his own 

 skill with the rifle; and he really did not 

 seem to have any more fear of the grizzlies 

 than if they had been so many jack-rabbits. 

 I did not at all share his feelings, having a 

 hearty respect for my foes' prowess, and in 

 following and attacking them always took all 

 possible care to get the chances on my side. 

 Merrifield was sincerely sorry that we never 

 had to stand a regular charge; while on 

 this trip we killed five grizzlies with seven 

 bullets, and except in the case of the she and 

 cub, spoken of further on, each was shot 



