BEAR CUBS 93 



Jonas manipulated the lasso. The first 

 attempt failed, the young bear having placed 

 its paws on the edge of the boat. But a second 

 attempt succeeded, and the running knot tight- 

 ened about its neck. The ' hurrahs ' of both 

 spectators and actors responded to the bellows 

 of rage which escaped the prisoner. 



The man in the boat pulled for the ship, 

 the cub vigorously swimming at the end of the 

 rope held by Jonas. Repeatedly it attempted 

 to clamber into the boat, and only with the 

 greatest difficulty was it kept at a distance. 



A second slip was passed over the hind 

 legs and tightened. Bound and helpless the 

 cub was hauled aboard. It did not, however, 

 remain quiet for long. Directly it touched 

 the deck it commenced to lash out in all direc- 

 tions with its paws, trying to kill or smash 

 everything within reach. In vain we sought 

 to soothe it. The Commander, at the risk of 

 being torn to pieces or badly wounded, seized 

 the head rope and held it, whilst the second 

 rope was fastened to a belaying pin. Dangerous, 

 and even imprudent, as was this manoeuvre, it 

 succeeded admirably. A box was brought, the 

 open end of which was pushed towards the cub, 

 compelling it to retreat to the door of the cabin. 

 Then a panel was slid between the door and 



