the ice hummocks of a great field a mile and a half from 
the water’s edge, and immediately we were in pursuit. 
The going was bad; we had to wade through fresh-water 
pools covered with thin layers of new ice, jump the channels 
where sea-water had eroded the ice, and wallow through 
snowdrifts, among the hummocks into which we sank to the 
waist. The bear was lost sight of, once we left the ship, but 
rapid walking for three-quarters of an hour brought him to 
view again. 
Learmonth, the Doctor, Petersen, and Carl, as well as a 
sailor, went to the 
left; another sailor 
and I turned to the 
right; all running as 
soon as concealed by 
hummocks, but crawl¬ 
ing warily on all fours 
where we might be 
seen by the bear. 
Hard running, then, 
enabled us to turn the 
animal, and he started 
off, in a rapid trot, in 
the direction of the 
other party. 
Now and then he 
stood erect and sniffed 
the air, showing some 
signs of suspicion, but not knowing whence the danger might 
be coming. 
When within one hundred and twenty yards of the bear, 
Peterson released the impatient dog. “Napoleon” dashed at 
the animal, the bear making for the top of a great hummock, 
there to raise himself on his hind legs; and it was while in 
this position that Learmonth’s rifle laid him low, the animal 
coming down heavy on his back. It was thus that we found 
him, rolling from side to side, growling and snarling at the 
dog, who circled nearer and nearer, until bruin at last fell 
dead. 
Late that evening there was another bear hunt; the quarry 
[72] 
LEARMONTH’S BEAR ON DECK 
