The eyes of the whole party, some frightened and some not, were now fixed upon the bear, who, approving of what he had tasted as a sample, now proceeded to help himself more liberally.
He therefore placed his paw down into the contents of the cooler, but, although the surface of the liquor was cool, the lower part was still scalding hot, and he had not put his paw in for a moment, when he withdrew it with a loud roar, rearing up and sitting upon his hind legs, and throwing his burnt paw in the air.
“I said so,” observed Malachi, chuckling; “he has found it hotter than he expected.”
John, Alfred, and Martin burst out laughing at the sight; and even Mrs Campbell and the two girls could not help being amused.
“He’ll try it again,” said Martin.
“Yes, that he will,” replied Malachi. “John, be all ready with your rifle, for the brute has seen us.”
“Why, he won’t come this way, will he?” exclaimed Mrs Campbell.
“Yes, ma’am, that he most likely will when he is angry; but you need not fear.”
“But I’m afraid, Malachi,” said Mary.
“Then perhaps you had better go about fifty yards back with Mr Campbell, where you will see the whole without danger. There he goes to it again; I knew he would.”