"No."
"I'll fire at the bear if you say so."
"It would be of no use. If you missed, or only grazed him, he would make for you."
"I wish you had my rifle," said Tom.
"So do I. I'd let him have it straight in the eye. Have you had breakfast?"
"Yes."
"I'm as hungry as a bear—as this bear who probably wants me for his breakfast. O Tom, if I was only back at Green Mountain Mills once more, I'd be content to live and die there, and all the gold in California wouldn't bring me out here again."
Tom stood silent and perplexed. While he was considering whether he could do anything to help his friend, the bear slowly rose, approached the tree, and, grasping it between his paws, prepared to climb. He was evidently tired of waiting.
"He's coming, Tom!" shouted Onthank. "O Lord, what shall I do?"