184 SPOET IN NORWAY. 



worth, if it be a good one, fourteen dolkrs in the 

 market, and the government gives a reward of five dollars 

 for every bear killed, and the flesh is worth twopence 

 per pound, it was plain to the calculating "jaeger" 

 that he ought to have more, and therefore refused to do 

 the job for them on these conditions. They refused, 

 however, to listen to his demands for an advance ; and 

 fearing lest he should by chance find out the " hie " for 

 himself, determined to attack the bear without him. 

 Fortified, therefore, with an extra allowance of 

 " Throndhjemske " (aquavit), and equipped with a 

 couple of axes and a long stick, they sallied forth. 

 Arriving at the place, it was arranged that one should 

 do the "drawing out" part of the business, while the 

 other should stand by with uplifted hatchet to test the 

 toughness of Bruin's skull when he should "put out" 

 an appearance. The pole was accordingly inserted and 

 " braddled " about ; presently a low growl was heard, 

 and at last out came the brute's head. The party with 

 the pole, however, no sooner had the bear's head shown 

 itself, cut off as hard as his legs could carry him. His 

 companion, more courageous, now brought down his 

 axe with all his force right on the bear's skull Some- 

 what stunned at this unexpected reception, Bruin 

 dropped down in his hole, but recovering after a short 

 time again attempted to get out and see what it was all 

 about. Again did the axe come down with more 



