A rude tent, with snow piled round the edge to keep it firm, was
erected. It needed to be strongly pitched, for in these regions the
blast is more quick and sudden than in any place perhaps in the known
world, pouring down along the fields of ice with terrible force direct
from the unknown caverns of the northern pole. Within the tent, which
was of double reindeer-skin, a fire was lit; while behind a huge rock,
and under cover of the sledges, lay the dogs. As usual, after a hearty
meal, and hot tea--drunk perfectly scalding--the party retired to
rest. About midnight all were awoke by a sense of oppression and
stifling heat. Sakalar rose, and by the light of the remaining
embers scrambled to the door. It was choked up by snow. The hunter
immediately began to shovel it from the narrow hole through which they
entered or left the hut, and then groped his way out. The snow was
falling so thick and fast that the traveling yourte was completely
buried, and the wind being--directly opposite to the door, the snow
had drifted round and concealed the aperture.

The dogs now began to howl fearfully. This was too serious a warning
to be disdained. They smelt the savage bear of the icy seas, which in
turn had been attracted to them by its sense of smelling. Scarcely
had the sagacious animals given tongue, when Sakalar, through the
thick-falling snow and amid the gloom, saw a dull heavy mass rolling
directly toward the tent. He leveled his gun, and fired, after which
he seized a heavy steel wood-axe, and stood ready. The animal had at
first halted, but next minute he came on growling furiously. Ivan and
Kolina now both fired, when the animal turned and ran. But the dogs
were now round him, and Sakalar behind them. One tremendous blow of
his axe finished the huge beast, and there he lay in the snow. The
dogs then abandoned him, refusing to eat fresh bear's meat, though,