rrified, trembled in every limb, and tried to rear; but his
strength was as nothing when opposed to the steady power of his massive
antagonist.

Relieved from the immediate attentions of the grizzly, Tom did not
continue to run, but stood still, and, forgetting his own peril,
remained an excited spectator of the struggle between the bear and the
_vaquero_.

The Mexican in an excited manner shouted to him to shoot. This brought
Tom to a sense of his duty. A third person had been brought into danger
by an effort to give him assistance, and he was too manly to leave him
to his fate. He raised his rifle, and, taking quick aim, fired. Our
young hero was of course inexperienced, and it was only by a piece of
good fortune that his bullet inflicted a serious wound, striking the
bear in the throat. The blood began to flow and the grizzly, growling
fiercely, slackened his hold on the lasso. The _vaquero_ followed up
Tom's shot by another, equally effective, and the powerful animal
dropped to the ground, dangerous still if approached, but unfitted for
pursuit.

The _vaquero_ reined his horse back, and his dark face became illumined
with a smile of satisfaction.

"He will do no more harm," he said in good English, but with a foreign
accent. "The danger is over."

"Is the critter used up?" shouted Onthank, cautiously, from his elevated
perch. "Is he defunct?"

"He soon will be," answered Tom. "I guess it will be safe to come down."

Ebenezer Onthank needed no second invitation. He "shinned" down the tree
in a manner not unlike the grizzly, and approached the spot where the
huge foe was lying, the life-blood flowing from his throat.

"I'd like to kick you, you big brute!" said Mr. Onthank.

The bear slowly turned upon him his glazing eyes, and they expressed so
much ferocity that almost involuntarily the Yankee drew back. The bear
partly raised himself, and tried to drag himself towards his
adversaries; but the effort was vain.

"He is one of the largest I have seen," said the _vaquero_. "See how
strong he is!"

"It was lucky for me that you came up," said Tom. "He was almost upon
me."

"I had about given you up, Tom," said Onthank, "and I thought my turn
was coming next."

"We are much indebted to you, sir," said Tom, gratefully, to the
Mexican. "You have saved my life."

The _vaquero_ courteously expressed his satisfaction, and, remounting
his horse, resumed his journey.

"I never want to see another grizzly,"