as a considerable space between
them. If he had concealed himself, he might have escaped the notice
of the beast, but when he commenced running the grizzly became aware
of his presence and started in pursuit.

Hogan was rather dilapidated in appearance. Trusting to luck instead
of labor, he had had a hard time, as he might have expected. His
flannel shirt was ragged and his nether garments showed the ravages
of time. In the race his hat had dropped off and his rough, unkempt
hair was erect with fright. He was running rapidly, but was already
showing signs of exhaustion. The bear was getting over the ground
with clumsy speed, appearing to take it easily, but overhauling his
intended victim slowly, but surely.

Joe and Bickford were standing on one side, and had not yet attracted
the attention of either party in this unequal race.

"Poor chap!" said Joshua. "He looks most tuckered out. Shall I
shoot?"

"Wait till the bear gets a little nearer. We can't afford to miss.
He will turn on us."

"I'm in a hurry to roll the beast over," said Joshua. "It's a cruel
sight to see a grizzly hunting a man."

At this moment Hogan turned his head with the terror-stricken look of
a man who felt that he was lost.

The bear was little more than a hundred feet behind him and was
gaining steadily. He was already terribly fatigued--his breathing
was reduced to a hoarse pant. He was overcome by the terror of the
situation, and his remaining strength gave way. With a shrill cry he
sank down upon the ground, and, shutting his eyes, awaited the attack.

The bear increased his speed.

"Now let him have it!" said Joe in a sharp, quick whisper.

Mr. Bickford fired, striking the grizzly in the face.

Bruin stood still and roared angrily. He wagged his large head from
one side to the other, seeking by whom this attack was made.

He espied the two friends, and, abandoning his pursuit of Hogan,
rolled angrily toward them.

"Give it to him quick, Joe!" exclaimed Bickford. "He's making for
us."

Joe held his rifle with steady hand and took deliberate aim. It was
well he did, for had he failed both he and Bickford would have been
in great peril.

His faithful rifle did good service.

The bear tumbled to the earth with sudden awkwardness. The bullet
had reached a vital part and the grizzly was destined to do no more
mischief.

"Is he dead, or only feigning?" asked Joe prudently.

"He's a gone coon," said Joshua. "L