it was but a mouthful to an animal of his size and appetite, and
he commenced walking back and forth between the two trees in which we
were severally ensconced, evidently trying to form some plan by which he
could get at us. But his cogitations apparently resulted in nothing; and
in fact, we were not at all disturbed as to the probability of his being
able to reach us. We knew that we were perfectly safe in our lofty
retreat, but how long we might have to remain there was another matter,
and _I_ for one was decidedly wearied of my airy prison. I knew that no
search would be made for us for several days, as we frequently remained
absent two or three days at a time when on these expeditions. Our only
hope was that our self-appointed jailor might weary of the task he had
set himself, or be compelled to go in search of food or water; and in
that case we could improve the opportunity, and get out of reach without
difficulty. For hour after hour, however, he kept up his sentinel-like
tramp from tree to tree; at times varying the monotony of his
proceedings by frantic attacks upon their trunks. The tree to which I
had retreated was not more than eighteen inches in diameter, and I was
not without fear at one time that he would succeed in demolishing it
altogether, and bringing me "down by the run." I was not destined,
however, to find out whether he was able to accomplish that feat or not,
for after tearing away at it for a while, and making the splinters fly
in a rather alarming manner, he seemed to tire of it, and resumed his
patrolling between the two trees.

The day had worn away to near its close, and I was contemplating the
unpleasant prospect before me of passing the night in my very
uncomfortable quarters, when the sound of hoof-strokes reached my ears.
Looking out through the opening, upon the plain, I saw a party of about
a dozen Indians riding leisurely up the valley, evidently one of the
hunting parties on their return. They were nearly a mile from our
position, but in these elevated regions sounds can be heard at almost
incredible distances, and I at once shouted at the top of my voice, to
attract their attention. Wakometkla did the same, and we were evidently
heard, for they halted for a moment, and after a glance in our
direction, galloped towards us. As they neared us I expected to see the
bear take himself off without ceremony, but to my surprise, he showed no
signs of such an intention. On the contrary, when t