Being well armed, we made no scruple of attacking it at once.

Several shots were fired in quick succession, the most of which took effect, apparently, in the head and body.

Nothing discouraged, however, the monster threw himself from the ice, and swam with open jaws, to the boat in which were Peters and myself.

Owing to the confusion which ensued among us at this unexpected turn of the adventure, no person was ready immediately with a second shot, and the bear had actually succeeded in getting half his vast bulk across our gunwale, and seizing one of the men by the small of his back, before any efficient means were taken to repel him.

In this extremity nothing but the promptness and agility of Peters saved us from destruction.