The bear was a huge one, and would probably carry three bullets and still be a dangerous adversary.
The keeper muttered impatiently.
They were watching Paul breathlessly.

The bear was approaching him.

It would not be safe to defer firing another second.
Suddenly the keeper gave a short exclamation of astonishment and threw up his rifle.
There was another bear behind Paul, shambling toward him, unseen by him.
All his attention was riveted on the huge brute forty yards in front of him.

It was Claude de Chauxville's task to protect Paul from any flank or rear attack; and Claude de Chauxville was peering over his covert, watching with blanched face the second bear; and lifting no hand, making no sign.

The bear was within a few yards of Paul, who was crouching behind the fallen pine and now raising his rifle to his shoulder.
In a flash of comprehension the two girls saw all, through the panes of the closed window.