A Large Bear. 243 



which we had taken the precaution to bring with 

 us. Great care had also to be taken to avoid falling 

 through, as the ice was very thin and treacherous, 

 added to which it was drifting rapidly to the south- 

 ward ; so, had either of us fallen in, the ice would 

 have passed over before we could have had a chance 

 of getting out. After some little time we got within 

 150 yards of Master Brunie, who had being lying 

 quiet all the time. Having arrived at that distance, 

 in our anxiety to get near, we jumped on a piece of 

 rotten ice, which instantly gave way with an un- 

 pleasant crumbling noise. Fortunately, we were 

 able to scramble out, wet only to the waist. The 

 noise, however, disturbed Bruin, who, raising his 

 head, surveyed us intently. Baunerman fired, but 

 missed, which caused the bear to get up and medi- 

 tate a retreat, when I fired, striking him just behind 

 the head, and rolling him completely over. He 

 gathered himself up again pretty smartly, when 

 I again fired, the ball passing through his neck. 

 By this time, having run on in a frantic manner, 

 splashing through water and ice alike, I had come 

 close up to our friend, who, seeing me, rushed, 

 open-mouthed, towards me. When he got within 

 five yards' distance I fired, the bullet striking be- 

 tween the two eyes, and at once terminating his 

 sufferings. He is the largest we have yet shot — 

 fully ten feet in length. After flinching him we 

 had the unpleasant task of dragging the skin down 



