Uncle Dick pushed back his hat and wiped his forehead, looking at Jesse half quizzically. “Son,” said he, “it’s lucky we both were here. That bear was either badly scared or good and angry. It meant business, I believe, and it’s a lucky thing we stopped it when we did.”
Jesse put his rifle to the ground and stood trembling all over. “Well, Uncle Dick,” said he, “I don’t know whether or not the bear was scared, but I know I am right now.”
“It’s just as well to be honest,” said his uncle, putting a hand kindly on his shoulder. “Any man has a right to be anxious in as close a corner as this.”
They heard the loud hallo of John now, a little way above them; and presently Leo came slipping down toward them, smiling broadly.
“Kill ’um two bear!” said he. “Plenty good hunt, eh?” He looked at the little heap of empty shells lying so close to the dead bear.
“Two grizzlum, both fight,” said he. “Bad bear. Heap shoot ’um.”
“And I’m mighty glad we’re no worse off,” said Uncle Dick, when in turn they had passed from one of the great grizzlies to the other. “And, speaking of luck, you boys certainly have had it in every way. Leo, it looks to me as though you put us up almost too close on these bears.”
“No see ’um from trees,” said Leo. “I like shoot ’um bear close up. Heap shoot ’um. This boy he heap shoot ’um too.”
“All is well that ends well,” said their leader. “Now here we are again, with two big bear-hides to get down out of these mountains. Are you satisfied, boys—good and plenty satisfied?”
“I should say so,” said Jesse, smiling; and they all laughed at him.