The boys suddenly drew back their heads, hiding them behind the leaves.

It was too late.

The bears had seen them, and the next moment were galloping upward! The first thought of our hunters was to fly, and with this intention they all sprang to their feet.

But Basil, with a feeling of rage, was determined to try whether a rifle-bullet might not serve as a check to the advancing enemy.

He levelled down the pass, and fired.