The brute was striving to save himself, and it is to be presumed would have done so but for the cause named.
That last shot told the story.

The shot had seriously weakened the bear, and his mighty strength was fast oozing away.

His struggles grew less vigorous, though they continued up to the last moment.

Jack Dudley had become aware of what was going on, and, stopping in his flight, shouted: "Shoot him, Fred, before he can climb out!" Fred attempted to do so, but discovered he had no more cartridges at command.

Since the bear at best could not harm the younger, he ran forward to the side of the canyon, just behind the beast.