It was a white polar bear, and with eyes fixed on Will it was advancing straight towards him.
Will turned pale and began to retreat slowly. He could hear Tom’s cry die out in the distance, and knew that he was deserted.
Will found that he had one advantage over the bear. The place where he was had a narrow path leading towards the sea, was deep with snow, and the bear made but slow progress.
Still it kept following him, and he could not run.
He grew terrified as he came to an abrupt halt.
The path he had been following was blocked by a projecting mass of ice.
He must either retrace his way or leap down a steep incline at the risk of his life.
The bear, after floundering around for some moments, glared at him fiercely.
It kept advancing in a cautious, stealthy manner.
“I am lost,” murmured the imperilled lad, in a tone of utter despair.