He had hastily reloaded, and as the bear stood upright under the branches, he leant downwards until the muzzle of his rifle almost touched the snout of the animal.

Then came the report--a stream of fire was poured into the very face of the bear--and a crashing sound followed.

As the smoke cleared off, the huge body was seen kicking and sprawling upon the ground.

The leaden messenger had done its work.

It had passed through the brain; and in a few seconds the shaggy monster lay motionless upon the earth.
The boys now dropped from the trees.