400 ESCAPE OF THE CUBS. 



was circular in form, and embraced nearly the whole face 

 of a well-wooded hill, at the foot of which, and partially 

 surrounding it, was an extensive and open morass. Here, 

 within easy gun-shot of the cover, the centre of the 

 Hall was posted; that of the Dref, on the contrary, was 

 drawn up on the crest of the hill itself. After that the 

 Cordon was completed, E]g and I, who were on Skidor, 

 employed ourselves in correcting irregularities in the line, 

 drafting men from places where they were superfluous, 

 strengthening weak points, &c. And we had ample occu- 

 pation ; for the people thereabouts not being much ac- 

 customed to Skalls, there was no one to render us 

 assistance. 



Whilst thus engaged at the Hall, the Dref my proper 

 station owing to some misconception, made a forward 

 movement. This was contrary to positive orders, the people 

 having been directed to remain stationary until my return. 

 Soon afterwards a few straggling shots were heard, which, 

 together with the shouts of the people, plainly indicated that 

 the bears were on foot. Leaving Elg, who happened to be near 

 me, in command of the Hall, I hastened to the Dref to stop 

 its farther advance. But by the time I reached this division, 

 the mischief anticipated had, in part at least, already occurred ; 

 for owing to the hurried and disorderly advance of the men, 

 a gap had been left in the line, of which the cubs had taken 

 advantage, and made their escape ; not altogether unhurt, 

 however, as was apparent by some blood to be seen on the 

 snow. But the old bear, I was glad to find, was still within 

 the circle. 



A halt was now ordered, during which the gap in question 

 was filled up, and the line dressed afresh. When everything 



