HUNTING THE BEAR 261 



rifle, I had in my belt a 3 8 -calibre S. & W. revolver, 

 and these two arms, a knife, and an axe constituted 

 our defences. But no special thought was given to 

 these things as at six o'clock on that summer morning, 

 in the shadow of the Arctics, our little expedition 

 steamed away on its mission, following and mapping 

 the various points and bays of the rocky shore, and 

 giving all attention to our work as we ploughed through 

 the cold, blue waters. 



Before we had proceeded many miles it became 

 necessary to go ashore in order to obtain fresh water 

 for the boiler of the launch. Accordingly, observing 

 what appeared to be a little cascade falling over broken 

 cliffs into the sea, our course was shaped towards it ; 

 but before we could gain the shore our purpose was for 

 the time forgotten, because of the sudden appearance, 

 only a few yards ahead, of two polar bears a large one 

 and her cub swimming in the water. 



Mac and I quickly took our position in the bow and 

 opened hostilities, but on account of the roughness of 

 the sea and the tossing of the boat the shots were 

 ineffective, and so far as the old bear was concerned 

 an opportunity was not afforded for repeating them. 

 Quick as a flash she disappeared, leaving her fleecy 

 cub paddling about on the surface. 



Though the engine of our boat had been stopped, 

 the momentum carried us on rapidly past the little 

 swimmer, which was about the size of a half -grown 

 sheep. As we passed, Con. seized Master Bruin and 

 endeavoured to land him on board ; but in this he, 

 perhaps fortunately, failed, and was prevented from 

 pursuing his ambition by the sudden appearance from 

 the deep of the enraged mother, who, with a roar, 



