But this the Italian could not do, and when the bear headed for
him he fan as hard as anybody present. Around and around the
grounds fled the people, some rushing for the, hotel and the
others to the stables and to a large summer house. The bear made
first for one and then another, but at last halted in front of
the stable, which now contained the Rover boys, two ladies and an
elderly man, and two colored hostlers.

"Shut the doors!" cried Dick, but his words were unnecessary, for
the colored men were already closing them. The bar had scarcely
been dropped into place when the bear hurled himself with all
force against the barrier.

"He is going to break in the door!" cried one of the ladies.

"Let us go upstairs," said the elderly gentleman, and lost no
time in leading the way.

There was a back door to close, and one of the negroes started
for this. But just as he got close to the door he saw the bear
coming, and, uttering a wild yell, he too made for the stairs.

Tom was close at hand, and it must be confessed that he felt
thoroughly sorry over what he had done. "I'm responsible for all
of it," he groaned. Then, as the bear stepped close to the back
door, he got behind the barrier and tried to shove it shut.

The result was a surprise for both boy and bear, for as the beast
made a leap the edge of the door caught him, and in a twinkle the