John was restrained from going forward, and he cast a peculiar glance toward the Professor. "If there is honey there," replied George, eagerly, "let us drive him away, at any rate."
But Bruin would not be driven away. He sprang down from the log, growling and pacing back and forth. Occasionally he would leap back on the log. It was plain, that he was after the honey and regarded it as his special property.
"Well, George, suppose you give him a shot as a reminder that we need some of that honey?"
He needed no urging, and taking a rest alongside a sapling, fired a shot with one of the long guns. The shot was answered by a terrific growl, which ended in a prolonged roar. Without waiting for another summons, he made a line for George, who ran back. This was more than John could stand, who now ran directly to the bear with his sole weapon, the spear.
Neither of them could restrain him, but all sprang after him. It was a challenge the bear sought, and John did not in the least check himself until within ten feet of the animal, when, with a light spring to one side, he directed the spear against the side of the bear as he passed in his rush. While the spear entered the animal, it did not reach a vital spot.
Harry was about to fire, but the Professor held up a hand. "Have a care, unless you are able to control yourself well. You are likely to hit John." The bear turned, but John made no motion to avoid him, and again the bear charged. This time John did not jump aside to exceed two feet, and again plunged the spear forward, and as the bear's lumbering body moved forward fully ten feet or more before he could bring himself to a halt, they saw that the spear had broken off, and the terrific growl of the animal showed how badly he had been wounded.
John made no effort to escape, although he plainly saw the broken end of the weapon, and the Professor, surprising as it may seem, did not encourage a shot. The effect of the last stab was apparent, however, as Bruin did not turn after the last attack, but, with an expiring growl, sank down.
He was a magnificent specimen. The Professor went up to John and held out his hand in recognition of his wonderful feat, and he seemed to realize the nature of the commendation bestowed on him.
The work of skinning the animal was participated in by all. John seemed to enjoy it, and by his actions showed that he was at home in this sort of work. You may be sure that his actions throughout the day were such as to give him a warm place in their hearts, and they recognized what a valuable ally had come to them.
The excitement made them forget the honey tree. They were recalled to that by Angel. He had made his way there after the battle ended, and was now in the seventh heaven of delight, and when George arrived to take possession, Angel was covered with a mass of the delicious sweet and fairly gorging himself.