44 THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
Why, what is it, Ted ? " inquired Mr. Diitton, putting 
on a sober face. 
Can't ye see, sur-r, it's a shmall little bear, bad luck 
to him! Sure, I looked to see the ould one come rushing 
out o' the bushes ivery minute, and that's why I called 
yez." 
All this time Carlo was barking furiously at the little 
animal, whatever it was. 
" I think the safest way," said Mr. Button, suppressing 
a smile once more, "is to leave Teddy here for a while to 
watch the beast. If the she-bear attacks you, be sure 
to call us, Ted," he added, making as if he would walk off. 
But the Irish boy set up a mournful wail that would 
have touched a heart of stone. 
" Och, don't lave me, sur ! I'll be kilt entirely ! " 
" Oh, Ted ! " called out Hugh, who could no longer 
keep silence, " killed by a — hedgehog ! Think of it ! 
Don't you see his prickles ? " 
Poor Teddy grew even redder than before as he exam- 
ined the animal anew, and for the first time noticed the 
quills. 
He slunk back to camp, and it was a long time before 
the boys ceased to allude to " Ted's prickly bear." 
The night passed quietly, and an early start was made 
next morning. Before they halted for their noon rest, 
they had made a good fifteen miles, due west. Nat was 
tired, and when they started for their afternoon tramp, 
Jim, the older and larger Indian, had a curious pack upon 
