42 
THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
" Yes, I did, Joe. I guess I didn't hurt him much, and 
I'm glad I didn't. One of those splendid creatures is 
enough to kill in a day." 
" You no fire when you see 'im 'gain," remarked the 
Indian. " No hurt poor bear," he added. 
Rob caught the twinkle in his companion's eye. 
" You're laughing at me, old fellow ! " he cried, good- 
naturedly. " Never mind. 111 pay you up some day." 
" No shoot bear when you 'lone," said Joe, more 
soberly. " Nor moose, too. Wait for Injun come, he 
help shoot." 
" Well, I'll be more careful another time. Hullo, here 
we are at camp. Sorry you were worried, father," 
as he saw Mr. Button's look of relief at his approach. 
" I was worried, Eob," said the older man, earnestly, 
and I thank God that you're back safe. If I had 
realized half the dangers and hardships of this wild coun- 
try, I'd never have come. I suppose Dick is used to them, 
and don't mind meeting a grizzly, or fighting mosquitoes 
for a week at a time, or running on to a tribe of hostiles. 
I confess I do." 
" But, father, we were never so well in our lives. Just 
' look at Nat, there 1 " 
And, indeed, it did one good to glance at the little 
fellow's brown, healthy face. 
Well, well," said Mr. Button, brightening, we're all 
in safe keeping, no doubt. Tell me about your adven- 
ture, Rob. It's too late to move further to-night, and we 
