220 THE LAST DAY AT CHEE-HA. 



before we follow this buck who, by your showing, 

 cannot possibly go far there is other business for 

 the hounds : a nobler quarry is before us ! I have 

 shot a bear !" 



" A bear !" cried the hunters in astonishment. 

 " You joke! we never saw one in these woods !" 



" True, nevertheless ! Ride up -with the hounds, 

 and it will be hard but I will show you blood !" 



And away we went at a rattling pace for the 

 scene of action : some faces expressing confidence, 

 and some mistrust ! As we neared the spot : 



"No joke, by gracious !" cried G (his piety 



forbidding any stronger exclamation). "Look at 

 the dogs! how the hair is bristling upon their 

 backs ; they smell the bear at this moment !" 



And so, 'indeed, they did; for there he stood 

 before them. ! not fallen, but crouching, as if pre- 

 pared to spring yet, as we have said, stone 

 dead! 



It was pleasant to witness the surprise, and to 

 receive the congratulations of my sporting friends, 

 as they crowded around the bear the horses show- 

 ing uneasiness, however, and the dogs mistrust, 

 amounting almost to terror ! 



"While the drivers were encouraging the hounds 

 to approach and familiarize themselves with the 

 scent of the bear which they were baying at a dis- 



