MYSTERIOUS RIDE. 221 



the redoubtable knight of the pistol, holding on to his 

 anchorage on the log; while his defenceless compa- 

 nion veered round upon his stern, and took up his 

 position squat, in the rear — this last movement having 

 doubtless been made, not so much with a view to 

 personal protection, as to form a corps de reserve, to 

 fall upon the foe in the heat of the conflict. The 

 heavy footsteps of the beast drew near, but the 

 thicket still concealed him from their view. This 

 suspense, however, did not continue long; for in 

 due time, old Bruin presented his black visage, 

 raised himself erect upon his haunches, skinned his 

 teeth, uttered his hideous growl, and viewed the 

 strangers with his keen, black eye. After exchanging 

 glances for a short time, however, Bruin came to the 

 conclusion "that discretion was the better part of 

 valor," and with manifest symptoms of alarm, turned 

 and fled, with the bullet from old '76 whistling 

 through the thicket, in pursuit. Thus ended the 

 fright and the bloodless contest, probably to the entire 

 satisfaction of both parties concerned. But this ad- 

 venture was followed by another, if not so dangerous, 

 yet somewhat more amusing — which gave the name 

 to the lake in question. Our travelers having been 



