"I've always read that they can stand a tremendous amount of shooting without caving under," admitted Frank.
"And it isn't considered at all disgraceful, when stirring such a terrible monster out of his den, for the hunters to post themselves in trees near by. While at first blush such a procedure might seem silly or cowardly to you, take an old hunter's advice, and give the rascal no more chance than you can help. Even then I've known him to shake a fellow out of a small tree, and only for the assistance of the others he must have killed the youngster."
"A grizzly can't climb a tree, then, sir?" questioned Will uneasily.
"Not ordinarily. He might manage to swarm up if the trunk was inclined about forty-five degrees. Select straight ones, and of some size; then you're safe."
"Thank you, Mr. Mabie. I'll follow your advice. You see, I'm only the photographer of the club, and they could hardly afford to lose me,"
remarked Will, thinking some sort of an apology might be necessary for his seeming timidity.
But the others did not laugh. They knew their chum too well for that. He had proven more than once that when it came to a pinch he could conquer his natural weakness, and show the right spirit of bravery, especially if it were one of his comrades who was in peril.
"Well," remarked Reddy a short time later, "we're close to the place now."
"I imagined as much," said Mr. Mabie, with a significant look around.
"You mean that this is an ideal spot for a grizzly to have his den?" asked Jerry.