NORTHERN GAME TRAILS 367 



hole, slid his hand over the sheath of his long 

 knife, and said two words: "We go." 



As swiftly as the uncertain footing permitted, 

 we dropped down the mountain side on a long 

 slant. Then up along a fringe of rocks that of- 

 fered excellent cover for the final stalk. At 

 seventy yards we stopped. The grizzly was busi- 

 ly engaged digging his breakfast and had made a 

 hole large and deep enough to hide his head and 

 shoulders. While thus engaged it was impossible 

 to get a sight at a vulnerable point. But know- 

 ing his custom of suddenly stopping short in his 

 work and carefully scanning his surroundings, I 

 waited for that moment to arrive. 



Sullen and ponderous he was mumbling over 

 his expected meal in that uncouth solitude. 



Then that moment arrived the mauser flashed, 

 and with a "woof" of rage he charged straight 

 for us and closed in about half the distance, with 

 a miraculous speed of action, as of a mighty 

 spring unloosed. 



The second shot in the chest staggered him, but 

 did not stop him. With a roar of rage and pain 

 he came on, bringing his jaws together the while 

 with a hollow chop. 



I could see the hair over his shoulder standing 

 erect. His little eyes shone fiendishly red like 



