Altamont and Bell reloaded their guns, and took their places; but this time the poker would not pass through.
"Confound the beasts!" exclaimed the impetuous American.
"What's the matter?" asked Johnson.
"What's the matter? Why, those plaguey animals are piling up block after block, intending to bury us alive!"
"Impossible!"
"Look for yourself; the poker can't get through. I declare it is getting absurd now."
It was worse than absurd, it was alarming. Things grew worse. It was evident that the bears meant to stifle their prey, for the sagacious animals were heaping up huge masses, which would make escape impossible.
"It is too bad," said old Johnson, with a mortified look. "One might put up with men, but bears!"
[Illustration: ]
Two hours elapsed without bringing any relief to the prisoners; to go out was impossible, and the thick walls excluded all sound. Altamont walked impatiently up and down full of exasperation and excitement at finding himself worsted for once. Hatteras could think of nothing but the Doctor, and of the serious peril which threatened him.