With a cry he sprang again, reached his bough and drew himself up, holding his precious gun safe, wondering how he had escaped.

Again it was Fido that had saved him, for as the bear had gathered himself to spring, Fido, seeing his chance, rushed boldly in, and flinging himself upon the hind leg of the enraged brute, held fast.

It was the boy's salvation, but alas! it was Fido's destruction, for wheeling suddenly, the bear struck a swift downward blow with his powerful front paw, and tore the whole side of the faithful brute wide open.

With a howl, poor Fido dragged himself away out of reach and lay down, moaning pitifully.
The bear, realizing that he had got rid of one foe, now proceeded more cautiously to deal with the other, and began warily climbing the tree, keeping his wicked little eyes fixed upon Hughie.
Meantime, Hughie was loading his gun with all speed.

He emptied his powder-horn into the muzzle, and with the bear coming slowly nearer, began to search for his bullets.