AN UNWELCOME VISITOK. 159 



ducks on the water; a prolonged note from those in the 

 air answered. The three notes were an invitation, the one 

 note a hearty response, as willingly accepting the invitation 

 as the most hospitable host could desire. 



A few shots filled my bag, and I seated myself on a rock, 

 regardless alike of snow or wind, to admire and learn the 

 instinct of the animal world. Hour after hour glided on, 

 and night was near as I returned my pipe to my pocket, 

 unfolded my covering from around my gun-locks, and rose 

 to depart. The snow had in the mean time obliterated my 

 path; still the familiar trees and the ever- true -speaking 

 mosses told with certainty the direction. Indolently and 

 self-satisfied I broke into the bush on my homeward route; 

 the weight of the game told heavily on my shoulders. 

 When half of the journey (which I had long wished had 

 been the whole) was reached, I heard a rustling in the 

 brush, evidently caused by large game. Such a warning 

 instantly aroused me, and, on the alert for further sport, I 

 took all the surrounding visible objects in at a glance. In 

 front was a bear. A monster to my vision he appeared, 

 for I was uninitiated at that time and I believe the eye 

 has a trick of dealing in the marvelous with unaccustomed 

 objects and, to my horror. Bruin was coming directly to- 

 ward me. My first feeling was to fly ; next, to ascend a 

 tree; thirdly, to disappear into my boots. The second 

 glance gave me more assurance. Mr. Bear was evidently 

 on urgent private affairs ; his whole manner bespoke this ; 

 and he did not see me ; so I determined to- stand still, hop- 

 ing he would remain ignorant of my presence, or, at least, 

 give me a fair show, if compelled to fight. Onward ad- 

 vanced Bruin ; closer and closer he came, and the nearer 

 he approached the farther my heart came into my mouth. 

 Still he was fifty yards off, and had plenty of time to change 

 his course ; but no such change took place ; for if he had 



