CHAPTER IX.
LOST.
Will Bertram discovered two things as he thrilled to a realization of his true position.
Some ten feet away was daylight penetrating through the main aperture to the cave, while directly in front of him and against this light was the great, crouching body of the bear itself.
Its eyes, like two sparks of yellow fire, glared fixedly upon him, while its low grumblings told that its rage was fully aroused.
Will stood rooted to the spot, but only for a moment, for a movement on the part of the bear aroused him to sudden action.
Springing forward, the animal brought its huge foot across the intruder’s arm, tearing the sleeve of his coat into shreds.
The torch had fallen to the floor of the cave, and still flickered brightly. With no weapon to defend himself, Will stooped and seized it, and brandished it squarely in the bear’s face.
With a growl the animal retreated a step or two, but maintained a strict and entire guardianship of the way leading to the main exit from the cave.
Will gave a quick glance behind him, but instantly abandoned all thoughts of escaping by the way he had come.