BLACK BEAR. 133 



not intimidating, for my adversary neither swerved to 

 right nor left, and his wicked eyes blazed forth flashes 

 of malignant hate. Eight or ten yards more the dis- 

 tance was diminished, when, whether from fear, certain 

 that my last moments had arrived, or knowledge of 

 animals' habits, I gave a shout, a feeble one, of no 

 distinct note, I believe ; but the result was fortunate, 

 for the foe halted, and really seemed uncomfortable, 

 occasionally glancing around, as if he believed retreat, 

 .if possible, would be advisable ; but second thoughts are 

 not always best. The irresolution was fatal, and the 

 bear found it so ultimately, for he again advanced 

 towards me. When scarcely eight yards divided us, 

 a second shout brought him again to a halt, and, as he 

 sat up, displaying his teeth symptoms that too truly 

 said, "I will teach you a lesson" I let him have the 

 contents of the right barrel, aimed for the nose, well 

 knowing the shortness of range would throw the pro- 

 jectiles up. And so it did. At so short a distance the 

 concussion was irresistible ; both eyes were destroyed, 

 the forehead up to the apex of the crown fearfully 

 cut up, and the poor bear rolled over, clawing the 

 injured parts in life's last agony. Without hesita- 

 tion I delivered the coup de grace by discharging the 

 second barrel at the butt qf Bruin's ear, thus surely put- 

 ting a finishing touch to his earthly career. This bear 



