"Were we on other ground I should say let us attack it, but I have had enough of fighting bears on the edge of a precipice.

There is as much meat as we can carry ready for us below.

Besides, the hour is late and the men will be getting uneasy.
Moreover, we are but half armed; and we cannot get at her without crawling through that hole, which is scarce three feet high.

Altogether, we had best leave her alone." While they were speaking the bear began to roar angrily, the deeper notes being mingled with a chorus of snarls and whinings which showed that there was a young family with her.
"Do you go first, Nessus," Malchus said.

"The rear is the post of honour here, though I fancy the beast does not mean to come out." Nessus without a word took the lead, and advanced across the platform towards the corner.
As he was in the act of turning it he sprang suddenly back, while an arrow flew past, grazing the corner of the rock.
"There are a score of natives on the path!" he exclaimed.