un, Tim! we need a cannon to stop him; we must find some place
to shelter us."

Not doubting that his comrade would instantly follow, Warren wheeled
about and dashed off without paying heed to the direction; he had no
time to make any calculations.

Despite the fall of snow, there were only two or three inches on the
ground, just enough to interfere with rapid travelling. Young Starr had
not taken a dozen steps, when his foot turned on a smooth stone and he
pitched headlong, with his gun flying from his grasp. He was not hurt,
and he bounded up again as if made of rubber. He supposed the animal,
which can lumber along at a speedy gait despite its awkwardness, was on
his heels, but the furtive glance over his shoulder showed nothing of
him, and the youth plunged forward and caught up his weapon as may be
said on the fly.

With its recovery came something like confidence again, and he turned
about to learn how Tim Brophy was making out.

It was just like the plucky fellow not to dash after his comrade, but to
stand his ground, when the most experienced and the bravest hunter in
the world would have lost no time in increasing the distance between him
and the brute. The latter had scared Billy half to death, and his master
meant to punish him therefor, so he held his ground, and managed to send
in another shot while the grizzly was approaching, but which did no more
to check his charge than a wad from a pop-gun.

This reckless daring on the part of Tim would have brought disaster, but
for an unexpected interference.

Billy, the pony, no sooner saw the terrible brute turn his back upon him
and lumber off, than he understood that the way of escape for him had
opened. His panic departed like a flash, and he plunged through the
opening with a snort of triumph; but his line of flight took him of
necessity along that followed by the grizzly himself, who was advancing
to the assault of the brave young Irishman.

There may have been a feeling of wrathful resentment thrilling the
nerves of the gallant pony, or it is not beyond belief that he
understood the danger of his master. Be that as it may, he was no sooner
beside the huge brute, who slightly turned his head on hearing the
clatter of the hoofs, than he let drive with both hind feet, landing
them with such terrific force against the iron ribs of the monster that
he fell half upon his side, after being driven several feet beyond the
path.

"Good for you!" called the de