“Did you get many specimens?” inquired Bob.
“Come and see for yourselves,” smiled his father and led the way to the naturalists’ camp.
“Great Scott!” cried Joe, surprised at seeing such a vast number of wild animals and birds. “This region must teem with all sorts of animal life.”
“It does,” returned Mr. Wallace. “And that reminds me. We were going out in search of a black ‘spectacled’ bear this afternoon. We’d like to have you go with us, if you will.”
“Will we?” cried Joe. “Does a cat miaow?”
The naturalists had everything in readiness for the bear hunt. They had but to eat a lunch and then they would be ready to start the hunt.
Mr. Lewis had heard reports from natives that one of the huge animals had been seen in a dense woodland beside the river. To this spot the party went, rifles in readiness.
When they entered the jungle they were met with total surprise. Beside an opening in the hillside was the bear, crouching low for a charge!
There was only a moment to act.
“Shoot!” cried Joe fearfully. His rifle had been dashed from his grasp by a protruding tree bough.