Lawrence had his wish next day, for they found a grizzly bear so
fierce-looking and large that it was well for him he was in the canoe
struggling with rapids at the time, for he was reckless enough to have
attacked it single-handed--a very dangerous proceeding, and a thing that
the Indians never do. They appear to think that at least three men are
necessary to the destruction of this much and justly feared monster of
the mountains.

Lawrence looked at Bruin with a feeling of bloodthirsty desire; Bruin
looked at Lawrence with an expression of stupid curiosity; and then
slowly, not to say sulkily, retired into his native forest. Next day
they beheld a more gratifying sight,--namely, the snow-capped Rocky
Mountains themselves, within the rugged portals of which their canoe
passed not long afterwards. Here, as was to be expected, the river
became narrower and more turbulent, and ere long the explorers had to
face dangers and difficulties which tested their courage and endurance
to the uttermost.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS FACED AND OVERCOME.

Their entrance on the difficult navigation of the mountains was
inaugurated by an accident to the canoe. It was a slight one,
however,--a rub against a rock which cracked the bark, and compelled
them to land and spend an hour or so in mending it.

The current here was very strong, and creeping up along the banks was
dangerous, owing to the masses of rock that frequently fell from the
cliffs.

At one turn of the river in particular, a loud noise was heard, "Look
out!" cried Mackenzie.

Before any one could well understand what danger threatened them, an
enormous mass of rock was seen to bound down the banks right abreast of
them, crashing through trees and bushes, and sending down showers of
smaller stones. The men paddled with all their might, but the rock came
straight at them, struck a flat piece of the cliff; and bursting like a
bombshell, descended round them in a shower of small pieces, none of
which, however, touched them, although many fell very near.

Coming one afternoon to a place where the current was stronger than
usual, Mackenzie landed with Reuben, Lawrence, and Ducette, in order to
lighten the canoe. They ascended the hills, which were covered with
cypress, and but little encumbered with underwood. Here they found a
beaten path, made either by Indians or wild animals. After walking a
mile along it, they fell in with a herd of buff