TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 107 



his last caught fish. We had been so intent on 

 watching the particular patch of grass in which we 

 knew our quarry lay that neither of us looked to 

 right or left. Suddenly, as though it were from out 

 of space above us, on the bank there loomed the 

 head and shoulders of another bear. So close indeed 

 it stood that we could well have hit it with a twelve- 

 foot fishing-rod. Just for a moment I cannot say 

 who looked the most surprised, but of the three of us 

 trie bear was the quickest to recover, and then, with 

 a snort and kind of frightened squeal, it dashed off 

 up the bank towards where the other beast was 

 feeding. 



Standing erect I quickly saw the newcomer was a 

 small beast compared with our former friend. But 

 one thing now was certain, namely, that the smaller 

 beast would pass and warn the other of approaching 

 danger by its mad stampede. Seeing this I said to 

 Agnes, " Come quickly, and follow me." 



We started running along the bank towards the 

 high grass where we last had seen the big bear 

 disappear. As we reached a point about a hundred 

 yards away from this spot the huge beast stood erect, 

 and for an instant gazed towards us as we ran. 

 Realizing that this was our last chance for a steady 

 shot, I stopped and bade Agnes take the first shot 

 at the beast. As she hurriedly took aim the great 

 bear swung round and started off at a lumbering 

 gallop for the nearest cover, which was a large patch 

 of alders growing on the hillside. Agnes was using 

 a double-barrelled '375 rifle, and at her first shot I 



