166 PBAIEIE AND FOBEST. 



of bullets. Under any circumstances my gun would be 

 required, so watching the first opportunity when the bear's 

 back was turned, I brought my double-barrel close by my 

 side, and cocked each lock. Many may laugh when I say 

 I did not feel nervous ; but I did not, and remained 

 watching with special pleasure the enjoyment that my foe 

 appeared to take in scrunching up whole bunches of the 

 luscious fruit. As he worked further from me my dog 

 became less demonstrative, only occasionally giving way 

 to a suppressed growl, which his feelings were unable to 

 control. 



Deeming myself comparatively safe from the distance 

 that intervened between us, I uncocked my gun ; then first 

 one barrel was unloaded, and the heavier missile substituted, 

 then the next underwent the same operation, Bruin being 

 now out of sight, still within hearing ; but the tables were 

 turned ; if formerly I was prepared to leave him alone, I 

 now felt equal to acting on the aggressive. Giving Prince 

 a little encouragement, he again rushed to the attack, and 

 it is wonderful with how much more ardour, knowing that 

 his master's eye was on him. Soon I knew the dog had 

 nipped him, for I heard a rush, and dogs will retreat 

 towards their masters, which brought Bruin in full view. 

 As the distance was greater than I liked, I hesitated to 

 fire ; but the bear had seen me, and disliking my appear- 

 ance turned to make off, but the brave little cur was at his 

 heels, and as I cheered him to the attack, he never lost an 

 opportunity of pinching Bruin's stern, who at length treed 

 to avoid the persecuting little pest which hung in his rear, 

 the most desirable course for me he could have adopted. 



