“Mind!” cried Steve. “Perhaps he is not quite dead.”
“There is no fear, sir,” replied the man; and, seizing the broken shaft, he dragged the head out of the bear’s body, and then took out his knife.
“What are you going to do?” said Steve.
“Skin it, sir,” replied the man, looking surprised that such a question should be asked.
“But suppose its mate comes?”
Johannes paused, and looked dubious.
“Ah!” he said, “then we should have to fight the mate.”
“No more fighting this time,” said the captain. “And Steve is quite right; the other bear may come in search of its companion. We must not attempt to camp here.”
“I should say not,” cried the doctor, “if we are likely to have another bear visitor.”
“Do you think you can walk a few miles, Steve?” asked the doctor.