would not serve their purpose, and desisted from it.

On examining the track more closely, they now perceived spots of blood
mixed among the mud which the bear had rubbed off upon the bark. This
convinced them that the animal was wounded, and therefore there would be
no chance of starting him out from his hole. It was no doubt the wound
that had led him to retreat to this tree, so near the place where he had
been attacked, otherwise he would have led them a longer chase through
the woods before attempting to hide himself. When, severely wounded,
the black bear betakes himself to the first hollow log or tree he can
find; and taking refuge in it, will there remain--even to die in his
den, if the wound has been a fatal one.

Knowing this habit of the animal, our hunters perceived that they had no
chance of again setting their eyes upon the bear, except by cutting down
the tree; and they resolved to adopt this method, and fell the great
sycamore to the ground.

The darkey was despatched to the plantation; and soon returned with half
a dozen of his brethren, armed with axes--Pouchskin heading the sable
band. Without further delay the chopping began; and the white chips
flew out from the great trunk in all directions.

In about an hour's time the sycamore came crashing down, carrying a
number of smaller trees along with it. The hunters, who expected that
the bear would at once spring forth, had taken their position to cover
the mouth of the cavity with their guns; but, to their surprise, the
tree fell, and lay as it had fallen, without any signs of Bruin. This
was strange enough; for, as the negroes alleged, in all similar cases
the bear is certain to charge out upon the fall of a tree that contains
him!

A sapling was now obtained, and inserted into the cavity--at first with
caution, but after a time it was punched in with all the force that
Pouchskin could put into his arm. He could feel the bear quite
distinctly; but poke the animal as he might, it would not stir.

It was suggested that they should cut into the trunk--at a place
opposite to where the bear was encased--and then they could drag him out
at will; and, although this would cost a good deal of trouble, it
appeared to be the only mode of reaching the obstinate animal.

This course was followed, therefore; and a cross section being made of
the hollow trunk, the shaggy hair was at length reached, and then the
body of Bruin, who was found to be dead a