Four rifles were ready, though they may have wavered a little.
One of them presently spoke; a sharp report reverberated; a wreath of bluish smoke curled lazily upward, and a terrifying roar rang out.
Bob's shot had only checked the animal for an instant. It rose on its hind legs, then dropped upon all fours again, and, maddened beyond measure, redoubled its speed.
"Run for your life, Bob," shouted Havens. "We'll get him."
Then a wild chase began.
Afraid of hitting their companion, the others refrained from firing, while the captain tore around the trees with the huge animal in hot pursuit.
The three boys, with shouts and yells of encouragement, which they hoped might also divert the bear's attention, followed. It seemed to the frightened group that the captain was certain to be overtaken.
But, with a desperate effort, Bob suddenly swerved to one side, and by the time the clumsy brute could turn he had gained several feet.
"Keep it up, Bob!" shouted Dave Brandon, encouragingly.
The stout boy was puffing and blowing, but despite his handicap in weight kept well ahead of the others.