Looking over his shoulder, he saw the bear shambling after him at a great pace, and gaining at every jump, and his heart froze with terror.

The balsams and spruces were all too low for safety.
A little way before him he saw a small birch.

If he could only make that he might escape.

Summoning all his strength he rushed for the tree, the bear closing fast upon him.

Could he spring up out of reach of the bear's awful claws?
Two yards from the tree he heard an angry snap and snarl at his heels.
With a cry, he dropped his gun, and springing for the lowest bough, drew up his legs quickly after him with the horrible feeling of having them ripped asunder.