or beast. Moreover, these kings of the Northern forests are huge beasts,
capable of smothering a strong man by falling on him and lying there--a
death which has come to more than one daring hunter. The beast's
favorite method of dealing with his foe is to claw him to death, or else
hug him till his ribs are snapped and crushed into his vitals.

The bear stood poking his head and looking about with little, fiery,
bloodshot eyes for something to destroy. His rage was manifest, and in
his strength he was a grand sight. The majesty of power and a dauntless
courage were his.

It was De Chauxville's shot, and while keeping his eye on the bear, Paul
glanced impatiently over his shoulder from time to time, wondering why
the Frenchman did not fire. The bear was a huge one, and would probably
carry three bullets and still be a dangerous adversary.

The keeper muttered impatiently.

They were watching Paul breathlessly. The bear was approaching him. It
would not be safe to defer firing another second.

Suddenly the keeper gave a short exclamation of astonishment and threw
up his rifle.

There was another bear behind Paul, shambling toward him, unseen by him.
All his attention was riveted on the huge brute forty yards in front of
him. It was Claude de Chauxville's task to protect Paul from any flank
or rear attack; and Claude de Chauxville was peering over his covert,
watching with blanched face the second bear; and lifting no hand, making
no sign. The bear was within a few yards of Paul, who was crouching
behind the fallen pine and now raising his rifle to his shoulder.

In a flash of comprehension the two girls saw all, through the panes of
the closed window. It was still singularly like a scene on the stage.
The second bear raised his powerful fore-paws as he approached. One blow
would tear open Paul's brain.

A terrific report sent the girls staggering back, for a moment
paralyzing thought. The keeper had fired through the window, both
barrels almost simultaneously. It was a question how much lead would
bring the bear down before he covered the intervening dozen yards. In
the confined space of the hut, the report of the heavy double charge was
like that of a cannon; moreover, Steinmetz, twenty yards away, had fired
at the same moment.

The room was filled with smoke. The two girls were blinded for an
instant. Then they saw the keeper tear open the door and disappear. The
cold air through the shattered casement was a