here he could get at it readily if needed.

Half an hour went by,--a time that to Joe seemed a whole day,--and
still the black bear remained between the two trees, dozing with one eye
and watching with the other.

The sight of the beast taking it so easy was maddening under the
circumstances, and at last the youth cut another club and hurled it down
on top of the bear. At once the beast flew up with a roar, and, standing
on his hind legs, snapped his teeth at Joe. Then he flew up the tree
once more, faster than ever before.

As the bear came up, Joe went higher than before, having seen another
friendly limb over his head. He was sorely tempted to reach for the
beast with his club, but thought best not to run too much of a risk.

As before, the youth swung to the next tree, and again the bear gave a
growl and went down. Then, being near the top of the tree, the lad took
a good look around.

In a moment a sight caught his eye which caused his heart to jump with
delight. There on the trail were Darry and old Benson, riding along
slowly.

"Hi! hi! This way!" he shouted, with all the strength of his lungs.
"This way, Darry! This way, Benson!"

He saw his cousin and the guide bring their steeds to a halt and gaze
around in wonder. To them the voice appeared to come out of the very
air itself.

"It's Joe's voice!" exclaimed Darry. "But I must say I don't see him."

Both gazed around, and at last the scout caught sight of the boy's
handkerchief fluttering among the tree branches.

"There he is!" he exclaimed. "But what's he doing up there?"

"This way!" went on Joe, and as they turned in the direction, he added,
"Look out for the bear!"

"A bear!" came from Darry. "He must be treed!"

"I reckon you've struck it," muttered Benson, and hastily unslung his
rifle, at which Darry did the same. "Follow me, but be on your guard,"
went on the old scout.

He advanced with caution, his horse lifting his ears sharply as the
neighborhood of the trees was gained. Presently the animal came to a
sudden halt. At the same moment Benson caught sight of the bear.

"So that's where ye are!" muttered the old scout.

The bear raised himself on his hind legs and let out a growl at the
newcomers. Hardly had the sound arose upon the air when Benson's rifle
cracked, and a bullet hit the beast in the breast. Down went the animal
on all fours, but did not tumble further. Instead, he made a swift bound
for the scout's horse.

Crack! I