96 HUNTERS AND HUNTING IN THE ARCTIC 



the cub howled with rage, seeking to destroy 

 everything within range. Once in the cage, 

 however, it became quiet and we were able 

 to sever the ropes fastening its legs. It had 

 already torn the rope from about its neck itself. 

 We gave it some cooked meat and some milk 

 in a bowl. The animal drank thirstily, and 

 then, after having cried, howled, growled and 

 trembled, it stretched itself out with its fore 

 paws on the bowl, which it would not permit 

 us to withdraw. Its air now was one of philo- 

 sophical resignation. Considering the great 

 trouble we had had to capture this cub, one 

 can easily imagine how terrible a hand-to- 

 hand encounter with a full-grown bear must 

 inevitably be. 



The cub was one of the same height as our 

 dog Rouss. It possessed enormous paws and 

 knew well how to use them. Its strength and 

 agility were surprising in so young an animal, 

 so much so indeed that several men could not 

 have held it down without running the risk of 

 serious injury. As it is, all's well that ends well. 

 Jonas had received a blow on the hand from 

 its paw ; one of Bergendhal's fingers was 

 slightly torn, and this was all. 



At six o'clock in the morning I was again 

 called. The weather had cleared ; though black 



