OAs DATS: 195 
would swim a short distance in advance, but only to 
return in a moment, as if to urge on the little creature 
to greater exertion. 
The shore was soon gained by the swimmers, who then 
beat a rapid retreat up the rocky chffs and disappeared 
among the distant hills. As they fled, the exhibition of 
motherly affection shown by the old bear was very 
remarkable and pleasing. She would never allow the 
cub to be separated more than a few feet from her, 
and would govern her own pace to suit that of her 
“ bairn.” 
As the bears made good their escape, self-reproach and 
disappointment filled our souls, and more than one em- 
phasized denunciation was heaped upon our commander's 
head because we had been prevented from having our 
rifles with us. 
After a few moments of bitter reflection as to what 
“might have been,’ our thoughts reverted to surveying 
and the obtaining of fresh water, but before thought 
could be followed by action, strange to say, two other 
large bears were sighted ahead. They were near the 
shore, and not very far from the foot of the falls for 
which we had been steering. 
A brief consultation was held, and it was decided to 
advance cautiously upon the game. Mac. with his rifle 
and but a half-dozen remaining cartridges, again took 
his position in the bow of the boat, but prompted by 
recent experience I remained at the stern with my re- 
volver, while Con. stood amidships armed with the gaff. 
The bears, observing us, landed upon a high point of 
broken cliffs close by, and as they did so, Mac. gave them 
a couple of slugs, which evidently took effect, but caused 
