slept very soundly, Ned and I keeping alternate watches, for we were
anxious to give Pedro as much rest as possible. Ned insisted on taking
the first watch; and when he awoke me, I found that the greater part of
the night had passed away. I expostulated with him on making me take
less than my share of watching.

"Never mind, mate," he replied; "you are young, and want sleep. I'm
accustomed to do with very little, do you see. Often's the time, for a
month on a stretch, I've not had more than three or four hours out of
the four-and-twenty, and have been roused up to shorten sail two or
three times between them."

The storm had passed away, and when I put my head out through the
branches which formed the door of our abode, I saw that the stars were
shining brightly in the deep blue sky. As I stood there inhaling the
fresh breeze, that I might the more easily keep myself awake, I saw a
dark object emerge from among the trees, and stop, as if looking
cautiously around. It was standing in the shade, and at first I thought
it was an Indian, though what his intention could be I could not divine.
Presently he came more into the road, and advanced towards the tower,
when I saw, to my no little dismay, that he was an enormous black bear.
He had probably, I thought, scented us out; and I fully expected a visit
from him. I did not like to arouse Ned; but I took up one of his
pistols which lay on his knapsack, and held it in my hand ready to give
the gentleman a warm reception, should he venture to put his snout into
the tower. On he came, waddling at a great rate down the road.

"He is certainly coming," I thought. "Now, if I miss him, he will give
me a hug I shall not like."

I cocked my pistol, and kept my stick ready to give him a poke in the
eye, which would keep him at bay till Ned could jump up to my
assistance. He stopped for an instant, and gave a low growl: his
instinct probably told him that some enemies were near. I drew back a
little, lest he should catch the glimmer of my eye. Then he again
advanced quicker than before. He soon came so close to me that I felt
almost certain that I could hit him; but still as I thought I might only
wound him and make him savage, I did not like to fire. I scarcely dared
to breathe or move. He passed on down the hill, and I again breathed
freely. Presently I heard him give another growl, and directly
afterwards I saw him waddling back again at a leisurely pace with
some