VI BETTER FORTUNES WITH GREAT BEARS 117 



bag her, and leave the cubs to their own devices, knowing 

 that they were quite large enough to be capable of making 

 their own way in the world. Consequently he got within 

 easy range of the sleeping bear and planted a bullet behind 

 her shoulder. She never moved or gave any signs of 

 being hit, and Glyn was uncertain as to the result of his shot. 

 He described how the cubs, on hearing the report, ran to the 

 old bear and tried to rouse her, but without success. She 

 was stone-dead, having been shot right through the heart. 

 Glyn imagined that the cubs would soon leave her and take 

 to the bush, but such was by no means the case. They 

 appeared inclined to assume the offensive on his approaching 

 their mother. He said afterwards that the idea of trying to 

 capture them alive occurred to him, but on mature considera- 

 tion he thought the proceeding too risky, and to save further 

 trouble expended a bullet on each, which settled the matter. 



