190 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF. CANAD? 
snow near the ice, being very white himself, was unob- 
served until the hunter's approaching footsteps aroused 
him. There was then a distance of not more than fifty 
yards between them, and no time for consideration. 
The bear, springing to his feet, made straight for 
Louis, who met his charge with a slug and brought 
him to his knees. He was up in an instant, though, 
and followed the Indian, who had taken to the ice, 
thinking that in a conflict he would there have the 
advantage. But in this he found he was mistaken. The 
bear was quickly overtaking him, being at home on the 
ice, so he turned and with a second shot again knocked 
the animal down. 
As Louis made for the shore the bear regained his feet, 
and with blood streaming from his wounds, and a roar 
of fury, made one more desperate charge. He was now 
within a few feet of Louis. The intrepid hunter, 
realizing his situation as critical, turned quickly and 
by a well-aimed shot laid his savage pursuer dead at his 
feet. 
It was a most fortunate shot for our whole party, as 
well as for the Indian, who, being unable to handle the 
carcase himself, had returned for assistance, meeting his 
brother by the way. We all gladly followed him to the 
scene of the combat, where, judging from the tracks and _ 
blood, there was abundant proof of the veracity of his 
story. 
On a hill near the carcase some dry moss was dis- 
covered, and with this, even before the skinning had 
been completed, some of the flesh was toasted and 
greedily devoured. The reviving effect produced upon 
the spirits of our party was marked. Though the flesh 
