Jerry partially shut off the power, and, as the machine slowed down, he and the others peered forward to see what the object was.
“It’s some sort of an animal!” cried Bob, who had sharp eyes. “It’s running along on four legs, right in front of the car!”
“It’s a bear, that’s what it is!” shouted Ned. “A big black bear!”
“Let me get it for a specimen!” exclaimed the professor, in his enthusiasm, not considering the size of the animal, nor the difficulties in the way of capturing it. “Let me get out! It’s worth forty dollars if it’s worth a cent!”
At the sound of the excited voices, which the animal must have heard above the roar of the storm, the bear turned suddenly and faced the occupants of the car. So quickly was it done that Jerry had barely time to jam on the brakes in order to avoid a collision.
“Why didn’t you run him down, and we could have some bear steaks for supper?” asked Bob.
“Because I don’t think it’s just healthy to run into a three hundred and fifty pound bear with a big auto,” replied Jerry. “We might kill the bear, but we’d be sure to damage the car.”
The beast did not appear to be frightened at the sight of his natural enemies. Raising on its haunches the animal slowly ambled toward the stalled machine, growling in a menacing manner.
“I believe he’s going to attack us!” exclaimed the professor. “Let me get out my rifle!”
But this was easier said than done. The weapons and ammunition were all under the canvas, and it would require several minutes to get at them.