"Oh, I see him!" cried Bandy-legs.
"Get ready to shoot, everybody, if I give this word; but don't pull trigger unless you hear me yell you to," called out the trapper.
Then there was a savage roar that seemed to make the very air quiver. Out of the thicket scrambled a big black bear, looking furious indeed.
Thinking they were about to be attacked, and in a panic at the very idea, some of the boys leveled their guns. They might have pulled trigger, too, in their excitement, only for the quick warning the old wood's ranger gave.
"Hold your fire, everybody. It's all off. No danger as long as that clog remains fast!" was what he shouted.
Max could readily grasp the situation. He saw that the angry beast could only come just so far, because something was holding one of his hind legs.
"The clog's got fast among the rocks in there, and he's held as tight as can be; that's what's the matter," Steve sang out.
Of course the only thing left to do now was for some one to put a bullet where it would be apt to do the most good.
Who would be appointed to carry out this part of the programme?
Steve hoped Trapper Jim would look favorably upon him when seeking a candidate. He had never shot a bear in all his life, and while there would be little glory attached to the passing of one that was held fast in a trap, still it would be something to think of later on.