92 A SPORTING PARADISE 



it was universally admired, and appeared, to defy 

 the ravages of time and weather. 



Only once have I narrowly escaped death 

 from a wounded bear. I will repeat the incident 

 as I wrote it at the time. Cautiously picking 

 my path and avoiding every dried twig, I 

 worked back to the waterfall, and then along 

 the old timber-road in the direction taken by 

 the Indian. I had not proceeded far when I 

 heard a heavy tread some distance in front of 

 me, and drawing near to Pine Lake. I quickly 

 concealed myself behind a large tree ; the sounds 

 drew nearer and nearer ; I found my rifle 

 shaking slightly, and this sign of timidity 

 nerved me to action I said to myself, c< My 

 hand may tremble, my bullet fail, but shoot 

 at the bear, I will ! " I stepped out from my 

 hiding-place, took a few paces forward, and 

 fired without taking any particular aim. The 

 bear was hit, and blood trickled from her side. 

 I aimed, and fired again as she lay upon her 

 side. The result was alarming with an angry 

 growl she came at me as though unwounded. 

 Then an unexpected accident happened ; my empty 

 cartridge became jammed at the entrance of 

 the magazine, and I held in my hand a useless 



