He opened his eyes wide with astonishment when he saw the great, dark form stretched out in the snow.
"Who shot him?" he exclaimed, excitedly. "You, Bob? Well, I was never more surprised in my life!"
"And won't I have a dandy souvenir of the trip, Sam!" exclaimed Bob, gleefully. "Just look at that slick coat! I'll get Yardsley to skin him—but come on—I want to see Chubby open his eyes."
"What's the matter, cap'n?" exclaimed Yardsley, as the three appeared. "You look kinder joyous!"
"Had a little adventure over there, and shot a bear," said Bob, with sparkling eyes.
A variety of exclamations greeted his words. The speaker, with great satisfaction, then told his story.
"Jest listen ter him," exclaimed Yardsley, delighted. "Cap'n, I'm proud of yer. A born hunter—an' never lost yer nerve, I'll be bound."
Lunch was soon over, and the group of hunters hurried to the scene of the encounter.
"H'm—a regular monster," cried Tom Clifton with wide-open eyes, as they approached. "Just look at those paws! One crack and it would have been all over, eh?"
"That it would," agreed Yardsley.