298 AN AWKWARD POSITION. 



part in the performance of a triple bob major; and as a 

 consequence, the contents of my kit, consisting of a brandy- 

 bottle, bread, a sausage, &c., were scattered here and there in 

 the forest, 



"Though the ringing to which the beast subjected me 

 was carried to a most inconvenient extent, I nevertheless 

 retained sufficient presence of mind, suspended by the heels 

 as I was, to give him several severe blows on the head 

 with my gun, which at length caused him to loose his hold 

 and to retreat. 



" Whilst thus suffering tribulation, I shouted lustily for 

 help ; but owing to the horrible roarings of the bear, the 

 people did not hear my cries ; nor was a comrade, though 

 only at some twenty paces distance when I was first assailed, 

 able, from the thickness of the cover, to reach the scene of 

 action prior to the departure of the beast. 



" After leaving me, the bear sprang to the opposite side 

 of the Ring, where three shots in the body terminated his 

 existence. 



" It proved a female, and amongst the largest of the 

 species. Five or six years previously she had been caught in 

 a steel-trap, but contrived to escape with the loss of a paw, 

 which was subsequently brought to me. It was singular 

 enough that, after so long a period, the bear and the ampu- 

 tated member should join company again. 



" The beast was very fat, and said to be delicious eating. 

 For my part, however, though she had been so very loving 

 towards me, and made so free with my flesh, I had no incli- 

 nation to try the flavour of hers." 



M. Ullgren gradually recovered. Some laughed at the 

 adventure, for the reason, that he who had been subjected 



