326 WILD sroiiTs ix the fak west. 



wound "with my fore finger to see liow for the ball liad 

 penetrated ; the rifle threw a ball of twent j-two to the 

 pound ; the skull was completely shattered. 



We now decided on getting out of the cave for a 

 little repose and refreshment, and to await the Con- 

 wells. AYe found them sitting by the fire, and young 

 C. offered at once to take the cord and fasten it round 

 the bear's neck, and try and pull him out alone. Light- 

 ing one of the candles, he soon disappeared in the 

 cave. They had examined several other caves, but 

 had not found any more signs. Extraordinary to 

 relate, we had not seen a single deer during the course 

 of our hunt ; the forest seemed deserted, excepting by 

 a bear or two in the caves, and a very few turkeys. 



"We had rested and talked for about half an hour, 

 when young C. reappeared without the bear, having 

 found it too heavy, and requiring help. We w^ent, one 

 and all, taking fresh torches with us, to the scene of 

 action, and dragged him out, though with considerable 

 difficulty, as many parts of the route were ill adapted 

 for the transport of such a mass of flesh. Lying down 

 by the fire, we slept comfortably till late next morning. 

 It was near noon ere we could tear ourselves away 

 from our couches of soft leaves, but as we all agreed 

 that we must move sooner or later, we got up, loaded 

 the horses with our prizes, and moved off towards 

 Conwell's dwelUng in as direct a line as the nature of 

 the country would allow. "We kept no look-out for 

 game on our way home, having meat enough, and being 

 almost tired to death. 



We received a hearty welcome from Conwell's family, 

 and we resolved to enjoy a little repose after all our 



