48 BEAKS. 



running after an inglorious victory, which must be 

 bought at tho price of a thousand dangers ? " 



How many were there whom this eloquence did not 

 touch ? Three ! They started at the same instant, 

 trusting to nothing but their courage, and very sure 

 of having no assistance. 



Crouching over the two bodies, the conqueror was 

 about to profit by his victory. They advanced, and, 

 apparently at too great a distance, they fired several 

 times without touching him. Then the bravest man 

 of the three, separating from the others, approached 

 nearer, and taking good aim, he hit the bear a 

 little above the eye, the ball passing through his 

 head. 



The bear did not fall ; he did not even leave his prey. 

 Far from that, he arose, and holding the body by the 

 neck, fled away. He had only gone a few steps, 

 however, when they saw him stagger, and the sailors 

 attacked him with their sabres. 



The terrible beast fell at length, but he did not leave 

 hold of his man until they had plunged a sword into 

 his mouth, and given him the coup cle grace. 



Then the brave fellows gathered the remains of 

 their comrades, and buried them on the island, in 

 presence of the whole crew, who could now land with- 

 out the fear of breaking the rules of prudence. 



The skin of the bear -was awarded to the man 



