A POT SHOT. 253 



I got -within about fifty yards, and then, 

 resting the gun upon a large stone, took a 

 deliberate pot shot at the old one. The cap 

 missed. Mrs. Bruin heard the rap of the 

 hammer, for I saw her give a sudden start, 

 and begin to look round. I ducked my head 

 below the crest of the ridge, and put on a 

 fresh cap ; then, looking very carefully over, 

 took another shot. This time the cap went 

 off very well, but nothing else. It made the 

 bear give a jump, and look round still more 

 earnestly ; but from the position I was in, 

 she could not see me, as long as I kept my 

 head below the ridge. 



Taking out my powder-flask, I put as 

 much powder as possible, down the nipple. 

 This occupied some time, as the gun had got 

 damp during the night ; I made as much 

 haste as I could, for I was greatly afraid 

 that the bear would be off, without my 

 getting a shot, for evidently she was not 

 half satisfied with the noise she had heard, 

 and was cocking her ears in all directions. 



Again the gun was rested over the stone. 



