After a few springs he reined in and once more wheeled half round, having drawn his revolver, only to find the bear again charging and almost on him.

This time he fired into it, near the joining of the neck and shoulder, the bullet going downwards into the chest hollow; and again by a quick dash to one side he just avoided the rush of the beast and the sweep of its mighty forepaw.

The bear then halted for a minute, and he rode close by it at a run, firing a couple of shots, which brought on another resolute charge.

The ground was somewhat rugged and broken, but his pony was as quick on its feet as a cat, and never stumbled, even when going at full speed to avoid the bear's first mad rushes.

It speedily became so excited, however, as to render it almost impossible for the rider to take aim.