The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-09-21
Continued from yesterdays
edjtionl

That morning they had no break
fast. Pemmican and salt beef were
both gone. Not a crumb of biscuit
remained. They were obliged to
content themselves with half a cup
of hot coffee, and start off again.
They scarcely went three miles
before they were compelled to give
up for the day. They had no sup
per but coffee, and the dogs were
SO ravenous that they were almost
devouring each other.
Another day-34 hours since they
had tasted food. Yet they contin-
ued their march, sustained by their
superhuman energy of purpose.
They had to push the sledge them
selves, for the dogs could no longer
draw 1t.
Then johnson grew haggard
eyed and wild. He caught the doc
tors arm that night.
THAT bear is following u.s." he
cried hoarsely.
"A bear following us?"
Eyes, for the last two days!"
"Have you seen him?"
Eyes, about mile to leeward."
terrible. And we haven't a
single ball to send after him!" said
the doctor.
He is reckoning on a good feed
OF human flesh" cried Johnson,
his brain giving away. He is sure
enough of his meal" continued the
poor fellow. He must be hungry,
and don't see why we should keep
him waiting"
johnson, calm YOURSELF"
mo, Mr.. Clawbonny, since we
must die, why prolong the suffer
ings of the poor beast. He is fam
ished like ourselves. There are no
seals for him to eat, and heaven
sends him men. So much the better
for him, that's ALL"
johnson was fast going mad. The
situation was desperate. John
son." said the doctor, Il shall kill
that bear tomorrow"
Tomorrow" said Johnson, as if
waking up from some bad dream.
Eyes, tomorrow"
"a you have no bullets"
'T'll make one"
you have no lead"
"No, but / have mercury"
IS So saying, he took the themom-
eter, which stood at so degrees
above zero, went outside and laid it
on a block of ice. At dawn they
rushed out to look at II. All the
mercury had froben into a hard
piece Of metal ready for use.
Just then Hatteras made his ap-
pearance, and the doctor told him
his project, and showed him the
mercury.
The captain grasped his hand ST.
quest of their game.
They soon sighted him, about 800
yards distant
IS Friends, this Is no idle sport"
said Hatteras. I'VE must act pru-
IDENTIFY"
YES" replied the doctor. 1--WE
have but the one shot. We must
not miss. He would outstrip hare
In fleetness!"
I'VE must go right up to him."
said Hatteras. Il have a plan"
What is it?' asked the doctor.
well, you kept the skin of the
Zeal you killed, didn't your"
1T is on the sledge."
"All right! Wen get it. Leave
johnson here to watch"
At the snow hut, Hateras slipped
Into the seal skin.
Now, give me the gum" he said.
Courage, Hatteras.' said the
doctor, handing him the weapon,
which he had loaded with the mer-
curry bullet.
Soon a seal was making it's way
toward the bear. 1t was a perfect
imitation. The bear, greedy eyed,
waited.
When the seal was 10 PAGES
away. the monster sprang forward
with tremendous bound. but
stopped short. stupefied and fright
ened, when Hateras therw off his
disguise, knelt on one knee and
aimed straight at the bears heart.
He fired, and the huge monster
rolled back on the ice.
Hotfaroc 6oJ o;x>.ol ..,1