It had been agreed that when necessary Dave should give the signal to fire. He was slightly in advance, and now with great caution he looked over some rocks just ahead of him. The sight that met his gaze was an interesting one. There was a slight depression there, partly filled with brushwood, and in the midst of this stood a big bear. He had his head down in a hole, and was digging out various things with his forepaws, flinging them to one side and behind him. Out came a kettle, a frying-pan, some knives and forks, cups, saucers, a pie-plate, a dishpan, and numerous other articles, which clattered over the rocks. "Great hambones, Dave! what kind of a noise is that?" asked Phil, who was beside our hero. "It's our stolen stuff, that's what it is, Phil!" cried Dave. "Those burglars must have thrown the stuff in that hole!" "But what would the bear be doing among that stuff?" questioned Luke. "He's after grub," answered our hero. "They must have thrown some of the food in there with the other stuff. Come on, boys, get ready to fire!" Fortunately for the lads, the bear was so interested in what he was trying to accomplish that he did not notice their approach. The noise of the flying kettles and pans drowned out the voices. "What's the matter with all taking a shot at him at the same time?" questioned Phil. "All right, I'm willing," responded Dave, quickly. "We might as well all have the glory of killing him--if we have that luck." Every rifle and every shotgun was quickly raised and aimed at the bear. Just as Dave was on the point of giving the order to fire, the beast came out of the hole and looked around. Then in alarm he raised up on his hind legs, a truly terrifying animal to behold. Bang! Crack! Bang! went the rifles and shotguns in an irregular volley. And then, as the report died away, the huge beast gave a leap into the air, and coming down, sprang directly toward the boys. CHAPTER XXX GOOD NEWS--CONCLUSION "Here he comes!" "Give him another shot, boys!" Crack! Bang! Crack! Again the shotguns and rifles rang out. Whether the shots were absolutely necessary or not it would be hard to say, for just as the boys discharged their various weapons the huge bear was seen to stumble and fall. He gave several convulsive shudders, and then lay still. "Is he--is he de--dead?" gasped Shadow, who was still a few feet in the rear of the others. "I think he is," responded Dave. "Load up again as quickly as you can and we'll watch him," and then he proceeded to take care of his own firearm. But watching was unnecessary, for the huge beast had breathed his last. It was a proud crowd of boys that surrounded the game. "Say, that's some shooting!" declared Phil, his eyes glistening. "Won't the others be surprised when they hear of it?"