got a good pile of hot embers
we stuck up our game to roast, Dan having plucked them while I formed
the uprights and spits, and Mr Tidey was engaged in erecting the hut.
The odour from the roasting turkeys filled the air and was wafted by a
light breeze into the recesses of the forest. Preparations for the
night were made. We had taken our seats before the fire, with one of
the turkeys already placed on a large leaf, which served as a dish, when
a rustling sound, accompanied by that of the breaking of branches,
reached our ears. Dan and I started to our feet.

"Stay quiet!" whispered Mr Tidey, lifting his rifle which lay by his
side: "we will see what will happen, no red-skins make those sounds,
they would approach far more cautiously." The sound of the snapping of
the branches and underwood increased, and presently we saw a shaggy
creature, which, by the light of the fire thrown upon it, we immediately
recognised as a huge bear.

"What a monster!" cried Dan; "let me shoot it."

"No, no, you might miss; the creature would become dangerous if
wounded," answered the Dominie.

We all three were at this time kneeling down with our rifles ready for
action. The bear advanced cautiously, sniffing up the odours of the
roast turkey, but not liking the glare in his eyes.

"Don't either of you fire until I tell you," whispered our tutor.

The next instant the bear, one of the brown species, raised itself on
its hind-legs to look round. The Dominie pulled his trigger. So well
aimed was his shot, that "bruin" rolled over, giving a few kicks with
his thick legs.

"Stay, boys; don't go near his head until you're sure that he is dead,"
cried the Dominie, who was always very careful of us; and advancing axe
in hand, he dealt the prostrate bear a blow, which effectually knocked
any life it might have retained out of it.

"It's a pity we are not nearer home, or we might take the skin with us
as a trophy," I observed.

"Oh, I'll carry it!" cried Dan, "provided that I have not to take the
head."

"I'll help you," said I.

"And I'll relieve you when you get tired," observed the Dominie. "At
all events we will have some bear-steaks for breakfast as a change from
turkeys."

That bear, though easily gained, cost us a sleepless night. We had
eaten our supper and had just thrown ourselves on our leafy couches,
when a low howl was heard, followed by several yelps.

"Those are wolves!" cried Mr Tidey, starting up; "they'l