American Big-Game Hunting 



me in a few more jumps; and though another 

 shot would have been given, I think, unless 

 it had been a paralyzing shot in the brain or 

 spinal column, he could have so torn and la- 

 cerated me as to make death preferable. 



I have been in half a dozen scrapes of 

 more or less danger with these bears, but 

 have never lost my presence of mind until 

 they were dead, and the danger passed 

 through realized. I have always determined 

 never to run, but to face them and fire away, 

 believing that the least sign of fear gives 

 any animal additional courage. 



I had an adventure similar to this with 

 a she-bear that had been approached within 

 fifty-seven yards. It was a bright moonlight 

 night, and her cub was squalling in a beaver- 

 trap by her side. A good shot was delivered 

 over the heart. Three shots were discharged 

 as she rushed forward, first by myself, then 

 one from Le Corey, who was backing me, 

 and then another by myself; and when the 

 ** racket" was over, the bear was lying dead 

 twelve yards from us. All these shots were 

 bull's-eyes and deadly. In this case I could 

 not have run had the spirit moved me, as 



