Several of these ran towards the log, where the lasso was tied; and, seizing the latter in their teeth, commenced gnawing it! It did not take them long to accomplish their purpose.

In less than two minutes' time, the heavy mass came down with a dead sound upon the shoulders of one of the pack, causing him to howl fearfully! Marengo, who had been alert all this time, now growled louder than ever; and the combined noises awoke the three sleepers.

Basil saw what it was; and, starting up, seized his rifle and ran forward, followed by Francois and Lucien.
All three dashed in among the wolves, firing their pieces as they ran, and then rushing on them with "clubbed" guns.

The animals, of course, took to their heels, and scattered in every direction; but some of them, in their flight, did not fail to carry off choice pieces of the bear-meat.

Two were killed by the rifle-bullets; and a third--which Francois had peppered with shot--was overtaken and worried to death by Marengo.
The meat was soon gathered up; and Basil, who though somewhat chagrined was still confident of his plan, once more looped it in the lasso, and pulleyed it up.