"Glad of it," quoth Noll dryly.
To their ears now came a whining further back in the cave.
"More bears?" asked Noll grimly. "If so, I'm in favor of sounding a retreat."
"And I'll be with you," agreed Soldier Hal. "But wait a second. I've a box of blazer matches with me. First, slip all your cartridges into your magazine."
Both soldiers did this. Then Hal, striking a blazer match, led the way back into the cave.
"Poor little beggars," he muttered suddenly. "I thought so."
"What?" asked Noll, stepping forward.
"Look."
"Cubs!"
"No wonder the old she bear was savage," glowed Noll.