Their retreat was cut off by the infuriated mother, who might remain where she was for an indefinite time.

Should they fire down upon her, and take the chances of once more escaping to the trees?
This was an alternative which they had reason to dread.

Their painful experience decided them against it.

What then?
Remain until after night-fall, and try to steal past in the darkness?
Perhaps the bear might retire to her cave, and give them an opportunity to do so.

But in the meantime they were dying of thirst! At this moment a happy idea suggested itself to Lucien.