Finally they started slowly on the wearisome climb. In many places the side of the mountain was so steep that the climbers were compelled to lift one snowshoe over the other. At first Ed and George scrambled along in front of Ben. But after several tumbles and a few wild, toboggan-like slides they were content to go more slowly, and they remained behind the guide.
Up and up they climbed, until their hearts pumped wildly, their temples throbbed, and perspiration trickled down their faces. Often they were forced to stop for breath. Then they hurried nervously after Ben, fearful lest he should arrive at the summit before them and get first shot at the bear.
Here and there he showed them where the heavy beast had lost its footing in the slippery snow. It had slid for some distance down the steep incline. Then it had recovered, and in a few desperate bounds regained the lost ground and proceeded on its way.
Finally they arrived at the foot of the big ledges, and they faced more trouble. The passes to the top were difficult and dangerous. And as the boys were entirely inexperienced in the sort of work before them, Ben halted and spent some time studying out a safe way to the summit.
He concluded that the bear itself had chosen the best route. Ordering the lads to remove their snowshoes and sling them over their backs, he led the way cautiously up the face of the cliff, along the narrow, uncertain trail marked out by the bear.
At some spots the ledge on which they walked was less than a foot wide. The boys had many misgivings for their safety as they worked their way gingerly along. They tried to imagine what might happen should they suddenly come face to face with the wounded bear in so perilous a place. The idea was far from pleasant, and they grasped their rifles more tightly.
“There he is!” Ben cried, suddenly, pointing indefinitely to the jumble of loose rock above.
The lads started in spite of themselves, and Ed, in his excitement, barely escaped a tumble from the narrow trail.
“Where is he?” they inquired, their eyes staring wildly at the rocks.
“Don’t you see where his trail turns here and goes into the opening under that big leaning rock?” inquired Ben.