It was worth trying, however.
Two things happened at that moment to prevent the trial: the sound of knocking on a door somewhere, and the roaring rush of the bear upon him.
He sprang to one side, striking at the beast as he did so.

The bayonet went in and out again.

There came voices from the outside; evidently somebody was trying to get in.
The bear roared again and came on.

It was all a blind man's game.

But his scent, like the animal's, was keen.