The idea that they were to start the ferocious bear from his lair so soon caused a fresh burst of enthusiasm, and each one made another and a personal examination of Tip, until the much-inspected dog came very near being cross.
It was rather a sleepy party that clambered over the side of the schooner that night; but it was a party that had the most absolute faith in Tip Babbige’s ability to kill all the bears on the island.
Chapter IX.
THE FAMOUS BEAR-HUNT.
When Tim went home with Bobby he saw Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, and from them received such a kindly greeting that he thought he must be remarkably good in order to repay them for their kindness.
He was a happy boy when he went to bed that night, and made more so by seeing Tip stretched out on a rug by the side of the bed whenever he took the trouble to look that way.
On the first morning after Tim’s arrival Mr. Tucker, without saying what his intentions were regarding the future of the homeless boy, told him and Bobby they could enjoy themselves after their own fashion for two weeks, at the end of which time school began. Therefore there was nothing to prevent the bear-hunt from taking place, unless it should be the failure of the bears to show themselves.
Tip was fed on the choicest morsels which could be procured; and so anxious were the boys that he should be in the best possible fighting trim, that it was proposed to rub him thoroughly with lard, to make his joints more supple, that he might be able to run swiftly when chasing the game.
This idea was discarded, however, very shortly after they attempted to carry it into execution, owing to a decided difference of opinion on Tip’s part, who made such serious objections to it that Bobby concluded perhaps he could run just as well if his joints were not quite so limber.
Bill Thompson was the first of the party to arrive at the rendezvous back of the shed, and, almost before he spoke to the boys, he made another and a more critical examination of Tip. Bill was not only eager for the fray, but he was thoroughly well armed. He had a murderous-looking carving-knife stuck in a belt that had been hastily made of a strip of black cloth, and in his hands he carried a small shot-gun, which he might have some difficulty in discharging, owing to the fact that he was obliged to carry the lock in his pocket.