"Now let us look up Hogan," said Joe.

The man had sunk to the ground utterly exhausted, and in his weakness
and terror had fainted.

Joe got some water and threw it in his face.

He opened his eyes and drew a deep breath. A sudden recollection
blanched his face anew, and he cried:

"Don't let him get at me!"

"You're safe, Mr. Hogan," said Joe. "The bear is dead."

"Dead! Is he really dead?"

"If you don't believe it, get up and look at him," said Bickford.

"I can't get up--I'm so weak."

"Let me help you, then. There--do you see the critter?"

Hogan shuddered as he caught sight of the huge beast only twenty-five
feet distant from him.

"Was he as near as that?" he gasped.

"He almost had you," said Bickford. "If it hadn't been for Joe and
me, he'd have been munchin' you at this identical minute. Things
have changed a little, and in place of the bear eatin' you you shall