AWKWARD RENCOUNTER. 217 



regained the shore. Here were plenty of hips and 

 cherries; on "which, with the water, I made a most de- 

 licious repast. On looking about for a place to sleep, I 

 observed lying on the ground the hollow trunk of a large 

 pine, which had been destroyed by lightning. I re- 

 treated into the cavity; and having covered myself 

 completely with large pieces of loose bark, quickly 

 fell asleep. My repose was not of long duration ; for 

 at the end of about two hours I was awakened by the 

 growling of a bear, which had removed part of the bark 

 covering, and was leaning over me with his snout, hesi- 

 tating as to the means he should adopt to dislodge me ; 

 the narrow limits of the trunk which confined my body 

 preventing him from making the attack with advantage. 

 I instantly sprung up, seized my stick, and uttered a 

 loud cry, which startled him, and caused him to recede 

 a few steps, when he stopped and turned about, appa- 

 rently doubtful whether he would commence an attack. 

 He determined on an assault; but feeling I had not 

 sufficient strength to meet such an unequal enemy, I 

 thought it prudent to retreat, and accordingly scrambled 

 up an adjoining tree. My flight gave fresh impulse to 

 his courage, and he commenced ascending after me. I 

 succeeded, however, in gaining a branch, which gave me 

 a decided advantage over him ; and from which I was 

 enabled to annoy his muzzle and claws in such a manner 

 with my stick, as effectually to check his progress. 

 After scraping the bark some time with rage and disap- 

 pointment, he gave up the task and retired to my late 

 dormitory, of which he took possession. The fear of 

 falling off, in case I was overcome by sleep, induced me 



