They now began to suffer from thirst, more than from any other cause.

Should the bear remain for any length of time, what would become of them?
They must either drop down to be at once torn to pieces, or perish slowly where they sat.

These were the alternatives! They could make no change in their situation.

Their guns were upon the ground, where in their haste they had flung them.

They dared not descend to recover them.