"No, lead on; I'm not afraid," cried Nell. "He's likely to be in his hole any how, isn't he?"
"Yes; unless he's on his way to the water here, for a drink. They come after that about once in two or three days."
A consultation was held, and a majority being in favor of following up the track, they did so, finding it led them to a large hollow tree distant some few hundred yards in the depths of the wood.
Nothing was seen of the bear himself, but the young men, familiar with his habits, made no doubt that he was inside the tree, and promised themselves fine sport in hunting him out, and a grand feast upon his flesh; the fat part of which is said to make a very luxurious repast when boiled or roasted with turkey or venison.
Bell proposed to climb the tree, which was rough and knotted, and look into the hole; but to that the ladies objected.
So they turned about and went home, the young men arranging on the way for the proposed hunt.
The next day, their number augmented by the addition of Major Lamar and Dr. Clendenin, they returned to the spot.
Bell, armed with a long pole sharpened at one end, climbed the tree, the others looking on near by, each with his gun loaded and ready for instant use.
"Here he is," cried Bell, peeping in at the hole in the tree. "Out o' this, Sir Bruin! out I say!" prodding the creature with his stick as he spoke.
The beast uttered a low growl, but did not move. But Bell continued to punch, prick and order him out, until finally he obeyed, moving heavily to the hole and slowly dragging himself out.