With this fact before their minds, they were not going to leave so much good food behind them as appeared to be in the carcass of the bear.

She therefore must be "jerked," and packed upon Jeanette, in lieu of the load which the latter had kicked off.

So, with these intentions, Basil and Francois set to skinning her, while Lucien commenced collecting dry wood for a large fire.

Of course they intended staying another night in the same camp, as it would take a day, at least, to "jerk" the bear-meat.
The bear was soon skinned and cut up into thin slices and strips--for that is the mode adopted in "jerking," or preserving without salt.

It is usual to cure the meat by simply hanging it over poles or lines, in a hot sun; where it will dry sufficiently in three days, so that there will be no risk of its spoiling afterwards.