RESPECT FOR BRUIN. 207 



ficient and to spare for both, at intervals they would 

 cease eating and have a defiant growl at each other, 

 after which, as if their appetites had been increased 

 by this exertion, they set to again with increased 

 vigour. But if they had known how short a time was 

 allotted for their feast, they, doubtless, would have 

 given more uninterrupted attention to the business 

 of satisfying their appetites, for Bruin again appeared 

 upon the scene in a state of great excitement. For a 

 moment the wolves looked inclined to dispute posses- 

 sion, but their courage failed them, and they reluc- 

 tantly gave way, but only to take up a position as 

 spectators a few yards off. 



It is currently reported that, when a bear buries 

 his prey, all the other wild animals show their respect 

 to the sexton by passing it by without attempting to 

 appropriate it. The spectacle which I saw seemed 

 to be rather an exception to the rule. When at 

 length I made my appearance, going towards the 

 carcase, the wolves moved off to a safer distance, but 

 Bruin did not show me so much respect, but plainly 

 indicated that if I wished to obtain possession of the 

 deer I must fight for it. Not being very short of 

 food, however, and having no desire to shed blood 

 unnecessarily, I left him in possession. 



That night the temperature fell suddenly. At dark 

 it felt almost sultry ; by nine o'clock it was bitterly 

 cold, with every indication of heavy rain. During 

 my Absence my companion had killed a yearling 

 buck! so close to our halting-place that he had 



