would swim a short distance in advance, but only to return in a moment, as if to urge on the little creature to greater exertion.
The shore was soon gained by the swimmers, who then beat a rapid retreat up the rocky cliffs and disappeared among the distant hills. As they fled, the exhibition of motherly affection shown by the old bear was very remarkable and pleasing. She would never allow the cub to be separated more than a few feet from her, and would govern her own pace to suit that of her "bairn."
As the bears made good their escape, self-reproach and disappointment filled our souls, and more than one emphasized denunciation was heaped upon our commander's head because we had been prevented from having our rifles with us.
After a few moments of bitter reflection as to what "might have been," our thoughts reverted to surveying and the obtaining of fresh water, but before thought could be followed by action, strange to say, two other large bears were sighted ahead. They were near the shore, and not very far from the foot of the falls for which we had been steering.
A brief consultation was held, and it was decided to advance cautiously upon the game. Mac. with his rifle and but a half-dozen remaining cartridges, again took his position in the bow of the boat, but prompted by recent experience I remained at the stern with my revolver, while Con. stood amidships armed with the gaff. The bears, observing us, landed upon a high point of broken cliffs close by, and as they did so, Mac. gave them a couple of slugs, which evidently took effect, but caused
