Stupidly, being taken by surprise, and being new at it, I fired at once at its head.

The bear gave a spring, and then--it seemed instantaneous--down it came at me.

Whether it rolled down, or slipped down, or ran down, I don't know, but it came almost as if it had jumped straight at me.
"'My gun, Rahman,' I shouted, holding out my hand.

There was no answer.
I glanced round and found that the scoundrel had bolted.

I had time, and only just time, to take a step backwards, and to club my rifle, when the brute was upon me.