"Hush!" cried the Doctor.
But the enormous quadruped, even when he perceived his antagonists, never stirred, and displayed neither fear nor anger. It would not be easy to get near him, however, and Hatteras said:
“Friends, this is no idle sport; our very existence is at stake; we must act prudently."
“Yes," replied the Doctor, "for we have but the one shot to depend upon. We must not miss, for if once the beast took to his heels we have lost all chance of him. He would outstrip a hare in fleetness!"
"We must go right up to him," said Johnson; "that is the only way. It is risking one's life, of course; but what does that matter? Let me risk mine."
"No, I wish to take the risk on myself," said the Doctor.
"I am the one to go," said Hatteras, quietly.
"But, captain, is your life not more necessary for the safety of all than a stupid old man's like mine?"
"No, Johnson, let me go. I'll not risk myself unnecessarily. Besides, I may possibly need your assistance."
"Hatteras," asked the Doctor, "do you mean to walk right up to the bear?"
"If I were certain of getting a shot at him, I would do that if it cost me my head; but he might scamper off at my approach. No, Bruin is a cunning fellow, and we must try and be a match for him."
"What plan have you got in your head?"
"To get within ten paces of him without letting him suspect it."
"And how will you manage that?"
"Well, my scheme is simple enough, though rather dangerous. You kept the skin of the seal you killed, didn't you?"
"It is on the ledge."
"All right! Let us get back to the hut, and leave Johnson here to watch."
Away they went, while the old boatswain slipped behind a hummock, which completely hid him from the bear, who continued still in the same place and in the same position.
