in the direction whence the sound came.

"He has got the bear--"

Just then the voice of Herbert was heard ringing through the forest
arches:

"Quick! quick! help! help! the bear has got me! Hurry up, boys, or I'm a
goner!"

The lads dashed forward, excited and fearful they would be too late.

The voice of the imperiled hunter rang out again.

"Quick! quick! the bear has got me sure! Hurry boys, hurry, for pity's
sake!"

The next instant Sam and Nick came upon an extraordinary scene.




CHAPTER XXX.

A FRIEND IN NEED.


Herbert Watrous had been set upon by a huge bear, and, throwing aside
his Creedmoor, had run with might and main for a large stump, behind
which he took refuge. Had he climbed a sapling, he would have been safe,