Part 58 (1/2)
”Because I ca entleet a the rocks?”
”What do you say?” cried the captain ”Here, sir, now that we are not out of breath If we cliun,” said Steve
”And you are not fit to use one, so leave it to us, my boy Will it come on when it sees us, Johannes?”
”Yes, sir, I think so These beasts are very fierce, and they have had so little to do with man, that they do not avoid him We must be very steady and stand firht”
”What, with the spear?” cried Captain Marsham ”No!”
”It would be better, sir,” said the Norseman respectfully ”These aniely; and as I try to keep it off with the spear, it will be side on to you, and give you both good shots at the shoulder Don't aiht,” said the captain ”Do as you say, but take care of yourself”
”I leave that to you, gentle ”You will have to shoot the brute while I hold its attention”
There was nosteadily on, checked by the dog froain, and Skene's activity enabling hie blows directed at hiht, Handsob?” cried the captain sharply
”Yes; both fresh”
”Mind not to hit the dog”
The doctor nodded, and Steve stood with his heart beating, wishi+ng that he had the gun far away now upon the sledge, though he was fain to believe that his hands shook, so that he could not have shot straight
He had to join with Watty in occupying the position of spectators, and he atching the bear co to realise their presence, when the captain said:
”I don't think we shall have any difficulty with the brute; but you lads e by us”
”Just a few yards forward, sir,” said Johannes; ”the ground is more level”
Theyto a spot free from fallen rocks; and Steve's heart beat more heavily, as he felt how brave it seemed to be to step forward to the attack of so fierce a beast--one which, by a single stroke of the paw, could sweep away those strong men; and as the bear came on, onceup and up the snowy slope towering above where he now stood, with the savage beast close at his heels, one on tracking hi of commiseration for the ferocious creature, and he hoped fervently that it was co on surely to its fate
”She'll co the rocks?” whispered Watty just then
”No, no; stop here,” said Steve hoarsely
”She'll pe safer,” whispered Watty
”Be quiet and look on,” replied Steve angrily