gun.

"Careful! He'll make a break for us at first sight, unless--down
close, and crawl for it, brother!"

Bruno set the good example, and Waldo was not too proud of spirit
to humble himself in like manner. Although this was their first
glimpse of "Old Eph" in his native wilds, both brothers
entertained a very respectful opinion of his prowess.

Under different circumstances their expectations might have been
more fully met, but just now the grizzly seemed wholly occupied
with the buffalo bull, whose sturdy bulk and armed front so
resolutely opposed his further progress towards that common goal,
the pool of water.

The boys quickly reached the flying-machine and gripped the
Winchester rifles which Professor Featherwit had drawn forth from
the locker at first sight of the dangerous game. Thus armed,
they felt ready for whatever might come, and stood watching
yonder rivals with growing interest.

"Will you look at that, now?" excitedly breathed Waldo, eyes
aglow, as he saw the bull cock its tail on high and tear up the
soft soil with one fierce sweep of its cloven hoof, shaking head
and giving vent to a low but determined bellow.

"It means a fight unto the death, I think," whispered the
professor.