Bears (Asiatic]. 237 



at the place in the evening, and soon saw a couple 



near their den ; we waited behind the rocks to let 



them come well out. While doing so, a large bear 



was seen quietly walking about among the low thin 



jungle beyond the village. I ran down the hill, 



quietly mounted ' Dicky ' and gave chase. Bruin stood 



looking at me in amazement till I got close, and then 



he legged it into the jungle. I came up and speared 



him behind the shoulder. My compliment was 



returned by his charging furiously, and very nearly 



getting hold of my nag. Soon afterwards he sat 



down among some rocks. As I rode up, he charged 



viciously, which I stopped by driving my spear right 



through his body. He now took refuge on the top of 



a small rocky hill, and as he would not leave it, and 



my horse could not go near him, I dismounted, 



walked up to him and drove my spear through his 



heart. Still the game foe charged with great fury, 



and drove followers and self dow T n the rock. He, 



however, fell dead in this his last effort. I rode back 



towards the hill where Scott was waiting to get a shot 



at the bears. But being told that another beast was 



in the maidan (plain), I turned off and went for him. 



It being now moonlight I only saw the bear when I 



was close upon him, and as I pursued him he rushed 



for ' Dicky ' and very nearly caught him. Luckily 



my spear took the assailant in the back, and rolled 



him over, under my nag's feet, who was thus compelled 



to jump over the quarry. My weapon was broken by 



the shock, but the bladed portion remained in the 



bear; nevertheless he made at me open-mouthed. 



Before I could get another spear ' Dicky ' became so 



violent that the plucky brute, though very severely 



