RINGING HIM. 393 



larger one in the same line of country where he had been 

 roused in the first instance ; the others at some distance to the 

 eastward, and near to a lake called Kalf-sjon. The thaw, which 

 was accompanied by much rain, still continuing, however, I 

 remained for a while at home, until such time, indeed, 

 as the heavens promised a change for the better, when I 

 proceeded to Hallsby. 



Here Elg and I passed the night, and on the following 

 morning set off at an early hour to attack the large bear. At 

 starting there was a degree or so of cold, but by the time we 

 reached the Ring, which was of unusually great extent, the 

 temperature had turned so much milder, that the snow 

 became kram. Rather than attempt to run the beast 

 down, as was our first intention, but which was now next to 

 an impossibility, we thought it best to essay stealing upon 

 him whilst in his lair. 



For this purpose with the guns in readiness for imme- 

 diate use, and with the dogs in couplings we followed his 

 tracks in deep silence. But our progress was slow, as well 

 from the denseness of the cover, as that the beast, before 

 lying down, had made very many doubles. In some instances, 

 moreover, he had followed his old tracks (which intersected 

 the Ring), so that we were not unfrequently somewhat at 

 fault. The afternoon was therefore well advanced before we 

 reached his bed, which was in a very dense thicket ; but we 

 were somewhat too late, for before our arrival he had taken 

 the alarm and moved off. 



The bear being on foot, and it being quite certain that, 

 whether chased or left alone, he would not halt again in a 

 hurry, we uncoupled the dogs, who, now that they had rested 

 for some days, were themselves again, and dashed merrily away 



