ahunter'slife 53 



alone until they could go for more balls, or get some one 

 to come and shoot him. But my advice was not listened 

 to ; and I was directed to stand back and keep my mouth 

 shut, or I should have it shut for me. I am free to ac- 

 knowledge that I felt like resenting the insult, but was de- 

 terred from it by being among strangers ; and I submitted 

 to it without making a reply. They theo took aim and 

 fired at the bear's head ; which only made him give a snort 

 or two, scratch his face, and climb up the tree as far as he 

 could go, where he seated himself in another fork, and all 

 the shooting they could do, he would not budge. 



After a long parley, they concluded to send for John 

 Martin, who could shoot a squirrel off the highest tree in 

 the woods. When the sun was about two hours high, the 

 messenger returned with Mr. Martin, who brought his gun, 

 which carried nearly an ounce ball. He had also plenty 

 of ammunition. Great anxiety was manifested for the mo- 

 ment to come when Mr. Bear was to get the fatal shot ; 

 and after Martin had had full time to recover his breath, 

 which climbing the high hill had rendered rather short, he 

 placed himself in a good position, and let drive. The 

 bear, however, kept his place. Several more shots were 

 fired with the same success, when it was agreed to let Cap- 

 tain Morris, an old Revolutionary officer, who had killed 

 many an Englishman, have a shot. The brave captain 

 gave notice that he would not shoot him in the body ; but 

 blow his brains out, or not kill him at all. 



The gun being cleaned and loaded, the captain took 

 aim, and off went the rifle. But, though the bear snorted, 

 and groaned, and made a great fuss, yet he remained in 

 his place. Another load was made ready, and the captain 

 tried his luck again ; when the bear, provoked with such 

 treatment, rose from his resting-place, and made a bold 

 offer to come to the ground. But on arriving at the lowest 

 ^ork, and seeing a many enemies together, and the dogs 

 5* 



