But Bob moved with the quickness of lightning, and this saved his life.
The bear, however, came down so close to the boy's side that our hero had no time left to fire at him.
He struck the bear one hasty blow with his gun stock and then ran for dear life.
Recovering, the huge beast came after him.
Although a heavyweight, the bear managed to cover the ground with incredible swiftness.
Down the side of the icy hill went Bob, with the bear less than a dozen feet in the rear.
The plain below reached, Bob scarcely knew which way to turn.
The bear uttered growl after growl, showing that he was working himself up to a perfect fury.
"I must get to the yacht, if possible," thought Bob, and headed in the direction without delay.
On and on came the polar bear.