290 PREP A RING FOR AN A TTA CK. 



observed, for he turned and regarded it steadily for 

 fully a minute. Neither of the hunters stirred. The 

 bear evidently had had but a very limited acquaintance 

 with the human species, as he did not appear to realize 

 the risk he ran in exposing himself so freely. 



The fire and the motionless figures seated round it 

 seemed to rouse his curiosity, and after taking a good 

 survey of the strange objects, he threw himself from 

 his erect position upon all fours, and advanced towards 

 the camp, now and then giving vent to a growl of dis- 

 satisfaction. 



When within fifty yards matters began to look 

 serious. Clearly the grizzly meant action, for his 

 growls became more frequent and savage, and a row of 

 shining teeth displayed themselves which suggested to 

 the trappers the advisability of taking measures for 

 their safety. 



" Don't 'ee go fur to fire ! " exclaimed Jake in an 

 excited tone to Gaultier, who was poising his rifle for 

 a shot. " Remember the blessed muss yer made at the 

 Buttes on the Saskatchewan last year wi' bringin' a 

 grizzly tearin' down on us. No, sir! I guess we'd 

 better get aboard o' the raft, an' then we'll walk into 

 the coon all together." 



This advice was acted on. Hardly had the hunters 

 pushed off from the beach when the bear charged the 

 camp, and began to satisfy his curiosity by pulling 

 about the different articles which had been left lying 

 round the fire. The large kettle especially seemed to 



