The weapons were seized, and all now caught sight of that which had attracted the Norseman's attention; for a huge bear was seen coming down from a ravine, followed by the dog, which kept on snapping savagely at the beast's heels, and then as the bear turned bounded out of its reach. But the bear did not appear disposed to follow the dog, acting directly after as if it had some object in view, for it turned again, placed its nose close to the ground, and came on toward the little open camp. "That's my big bear!" said Steve excitedly. "How do you know?" said the captain, altering the cartridge in one of his barrels for a bullet. "Because I came down from the mountain that way; and look, he's smelling my footsteps." "Yes, that is right, gentlemen. The brute will be here soon. Shall we meet him here, or get among the rocks?" "What do you say?" cried the captain. "Here, sir, now that we are not out of breath. If we climb, our hands will tremble." "But I've no gun," said Steve. "And you are not fit to use one, so leave it to us, my boy. Will it come on when it sees us, Johannes?" "Yes, sir, I think so. These beasts are very fierce, and they have had so little to do with man, that they do not avoid him. We must be very steady and stand firm. I'll attack first from the right." "What, with the spear?" cried Captain Marsham. "No!" "It would be better, sir," said the Norseman respectfully. "These animals move rather slowly. It will turn to attack me savagely; and as I try to keep it off with the spear, it will be side on to you, and give you both good shots at the shoulder. Don't aim at the head until it is down." "You are right," said the captain. "Do as you say, but take care of yourself." "I leave that to you, gentlemen," said the man, smiling. "You will have to shoot the brute while I hold its attention." There was no more time for conversation, for the bear was coming steadily on, checked by the dog from time to time, the former action being repeated again and again, and Skene's activity enabling him to leap away from the savage blows directed at him by the bear. "Cartridges all right, Handscombe?" cried the captain sharply. "Yes; both fresh." "Mind not to hit the dog." The doctor nodded, and Steve stood with his heart beating, wishing that he had the gun far away now upon the sledge, though he was fain to believe that his hands shook, so that he could not have shot straight. He had to join with Watty in occupying the position of spectators, and he was watching the bear come on, still without appearing to realise their presence, when the captain said: "I don't think we shall have any difficulty with the brute; but you lads must be ready to take to the rocks if we do. He might charge by us." "Just a few yards forward, sir," said Johannes; "the ground is more level."