Robert fired first one barrel, and then the other; the bear sunk for a moment, borne down by the heavy shot, but she rose again, streaming with gore, and roaring till the waters trembled. Sam's gun was the only remaining chance, and he used it most judiciously. Waiting until the bear was almost ready to place her feet upon the raft, he coolly levelled his gun, and putting the muzzle within a few inches of her ear, poured its contents bodily into her brain. The furious creature had just time to grasp the side of the raft; she gave one convulsive shake, and turned on her side, stone dead.
"It was a desperate fight," said Robert, drawing a long breath.
"And a very foolish one," rejoined Harold. "I have been thinking for the last hour that we might have been better employed."
Robert looked displeased. "Answer for yourself. If it is foolish, you helped to bring it on."
"I know that," replied Harold, with mildness, "and that makes me condemn it the more."
"Then please, sir, not to blame the rest," said Robert, "for I am sure everybody behaved as bravely as people could."
"I have not questioned any one's courage, nor have I quarrelled with any one except myself," replied Harold.
"Yes, sir, you have," persisted Robert, "you called us all a parcel of fools for coming on a Christmas excursion."
"O! no, brother," mediated Mary, "he only said we might have been better employed; and I think father would say so too. I am sure if I had known all before coming, as I know it now, I should not have given my consent."
"Please, mossa," said Sam, looking from one to the other, "'tain't any o' you been de fool. Nobody fool but me. Enty I ax you,[#] please come see my countryman in de hollow tree; and you come? And now, please, mossa, don't let my countryman git away. See he floatin' away to de alligator. Please let me catch 'em. I want him fat to fry my hominy."