Along this it was evident the bear had passed.
"I should think we must be near his den now, Nessus.

I trust this ledge widens out before it gets there.

It would be an awkward place for a conflict, for a stroke of his paw would send one over the edge." "I shall be close behind you, my lord," said Nessus, whose blood was now up with the chase.

"Should you fall to stop him, drop on one knee that I may shoot over you." For some fifty yards the ledge continued unbroken.

Malchus moved along cautiously, with his arrow in the string and his shield shifted round his shoulder, in readiness for instant action.