CHAPTER II.
A WARNING FROM THE WOODS.
Monteith Sterry began drawing the mitten from his right hand with the intention of using his revolver on the bear, when he checked himself with the thought: "Better to wait until I need it; the most of this excursion is still before us." The lumbering brute came to a stop, with his huge head turned, and surveyed the approaching skaters.

Had they attempted to flee, or had they come to a halt, probably he would have started after them.

As it was he swung half-way round, so that his side was exposed.

He offered a fine target for Sterry's weapon, but the young man still refrained from using it.
"It isn't well to go too near him," remarked Fred Whitney, seizing the arm of his sister and drawing her toward the shore on the left.
"I don't mean to," replied the bright-witted girl, "but if we turn away from him too soon he will be able to head us off; he mustn't suspect what we intend to do." "There's sense in that," remarked Sterry, "but don't wait too long." The three were skating close together, with their eyes on the big creature, who was watching them sharply.
"Now!" called Fred, in a low, quick voice.
He had not loosened his grip of his sister's arm, so that when he made the turn she was forced to follow him.

The moment was well chosen, and the three swung to one side as if all were controlled by the single impulse.
Bruin must have been astonished; for, while waiting for his supper to drop into his arms, he saw it leaving him.