"Fine," Ted murmured. "Uh—how much bear hunting have any of you done?"
Alex Jackson's eyes were full of dreams. "None of us have ever hunted any big game, but I've read all about it."
"You've never hunted?"
"Not big game," Alex Jackson said modestly. "You see, I just came of age last month and thus was able to handle my own affairs. But I've always wanted to hunt big game, especially bears."
"Do—do your folks know you're here?"
"Paul and I haven't any, and I am now Paul's guardian. But the other fellows' parents do. Yes, of course, and they were glad to have them in my charge. I've been counsellor for three summers at Camp Monawami. You needn't worry about our ability to handle firearms. We've all hunted rabbits. But I would like to ask your advice."
"Sure." Ted felt weak.
"Philip, Steve, Arnold and Wilson are armed with nothing but shotguns. Do you think I should return to the town through which we just passed and buy them rifles and revolvers?"
"Gosh no!"
"I'm worried," Alex Jackson said seriously. "Grimshaw, in his Bears of the North, says that when the beasts charge—"