MY GRIZZLY-BEAR DAY 165 



slightly, and sharply wheeled toward his right, away 

 from us; and just then Charlie's rifle roared, close be- 

 side my ear! Without losing an instant, the grizzly 

 started on a mad gallop, down the slide-rock and down 

 the canyon, running squarely across our front. 



" Heavens! " I thought, aghast. " Have I missed 

 him? " 



Quickly I threw in another cartridge, and fired 

 again; and " whang " went Charlie, as before. The bear 

 fairly flew, reaching far out with its front feet, its long 

 hair rolling in great waves from head to tail. Even at 

 that distance, its silver-tipped fur proclaimed the species. 



Bushes now hid my view, and I ran down a few 

 yards, to get a fair show. At last my chance came. As 

 the bear raced across an opening in my view, I aimed 

 three feet ahead of his nose, and fired my third shot. 



Instantly the animal pitched forward on his head, 

 like a stricken rabbit, and lay very still. 



" Ye fetched him that time ! " yelled Charlie, trium- 

 phantly. "He's down! He's down! Go for him, 

 Kaiser! Go for him!" 



The dog was ready to burst with superheated eager- 

 ness. With two or three whining yelps he dashed away 

 down the ridge, and out of sight. By this time Charlie 

 was well below me, and I ran down to where he stood, 

 beaming up. 



" You've fixed him, Director! He's down for keeps." 



"Where is he?" 



" Lying right on that patch of yellow grass, and dead 

 as a wedge. Shake! " 



