Almost with the word came the clear report of the rifle, showing that at least Steve's jibes had had the effect of putting Bandy-legs on his mettle.
With a fearful roar the bear fell over and began struggling. The dogs seemed almost frantic now in their desire to break loose.
"Quick, work the pump action and get ready!" called out Trapper Jim.
Bandy-legs managed to do as he was told, though he was shaking so by this time that he almost let the gun drop.
"Hold on, no use wasting another shot. I reckon he's done for," was what he heard Trapper Jim say.
"And you've been and gone and killed a real live bear, Bandy-legs!" said Max.
The boy heaved a sigh as he gave back the rifle.
"But he was held fast in a trap, Max," he said, moodily; "guess that ain't so much to crow over."
"But ain't he a whopper!" exclaimed Steve, who was at the bear's side almost as soon as the animal had ceased to struggle.
"If we only had a c-c-camera here now we'd take him with his f-f-foot planted on the old b-b-bear and holdin' his g-g-gun!" exclaimed Toby.