HIS WEAK SIDE. 377 



at an end, we adopted a plan that on previous occasions had 

 stood us in good stead. This was for Elg and the dogs to 

 follow on the Spar of the bear, whilst I, guided by the man's 

 shouts and the baying of the dogs, was to endeavour to meet 

 the beast. But after the lapse of an hour or more, finding the 

 manoeuvre did not succeed, we changed places ; for Elg being 

 the faster runner of the two on Skidor, as well as more 

 experienced in forest-craft than myself, it was thought 

 he would have the greater chance of cutting in upon the 

 bear. 



Though considering it all but a forlorn hope, I in my 

 turn now became the pursuer, and for a considerable time 

 followed the Spar at my best pace, which, to tell the truth, 

 was a most sorry one. At length, however, and as I began 

 to despair, I came to a small opening in the forest, when the 

 dogs, which by this time were thoroughly beaten, and at 

 heel, suddenly rushed past me, and challenged loudly in a 

 close thicket immediately ahead. Peering amongst the trees, 

 and at a distance of about fifty paces, I indistinctly discerned 

 a black object, which I suspected might be the bear, and 

 at which I forthwith discharged one of my barrels. I was 

 right in my conjecture, as a loud growl from the beast clearly 

 evinced. The bullet had told, it subsequently appeared, 

 in his hind-quarters, a part of his body of which Bruin is 

 more specially careful ; as with us bipeds, indeed, he would 

 seem to look upon it as the seat of honour, and any 

 injury to it always excites his utmost ire. This was the 

 case in the present instance; for almost in the twink- 

 ling of an eye out he came full tilt into the little opening 

 spoken of, where I was still standing. At first I thought 

 the charge was intended for myself, and reserved my 



