224 GANJAM. 



creeper, so tough and thick as to sup- 

 port my weight securely as I mounted 

 the mass. In front of me on the other 

 side of the rock, still in the same atti- 

 tude, and still watching my comrades 

 near the den, stood the bear about 

 twenty paces off and with his back 

 towards me. He still remained motion- 

 less and regardless of my presence, so I 

 planted either foot securely on a sturdy 

 branch and then whistled to attract his 

 attention and get a side shot if possible. 

 The bear simply looked over his shoulder 

 at me, and then without stirring a foot 

 resumed his watch. I brought matters 

 to a crisis presently by sending a bullet 

 through his loins ; he uttered one wild 

 yell and, instead of turning upon me, 

 rushed forward and fell headlong over 



