Dave took careful aim at the bear and fired.—Page [153].
“Dave is the head hunter of this crowd,” announced Phil.
“He takes after his Uncle Dunston when it comes to shooting,” put in Ben. “Both of them can hit the bull’s-eye without half trying.”
“I—I—don’t think I want to do much hunting after this,” was Shadow’s comment. “That is, hunting for big game. I wouldn’t mind going out after rabbits and birds and things like that.”
“Oh, you’ll get used to it after a while, Shadow,” answered Dave. “I know how I felt when I faced my first big game. I had all I could do to steady my nerves.”
“Not such very big bears, when you come to look them over,” said Ben, who was making a close inspection.
“They certainly looked big enough when they stood up on their hind legs and came for us,” answered Phil. “I guess a bear must shrink after he’s dead;” and at this remark there was something of a laugh. Now that the tension had been removed, some of the youths were inclined to be a bit hysterical.
“What are we going to do with the bears?” questioned Phil.
“Can’t we save the skins and the heads?” asked Ben.