In half a moment it rolled out upon the open ground near Samson.

The latter could now see that it was a large black bear engaged in a desperate struggle with the pack basket.

The bear had forced his great head into the top of it and its hoop had got a firm hold on his neck.

He was sniffing and growling and shaking his head and striking with both fore paws to free himself.

Sambo had laid hold of his stub tail and the bear was trying in vain to reach him, with the dog dodging as he held on.