Resuming his route in a course at right angles from that he had previously followed, as fast as possible, he finally succeeded in entirely distancing his pursuers, and leaving them at fault in pursuing his trail.

Boone soon after this met with a second adventure in which he actually encountered a foe scarcely less formidable than the savage.  Rendered doubly watchful by his late escape, none of the forest sounds escaped his notice.  Hearing the approach of what he judged to be a large animal by the noise of its movement through the cane, he held his rifle ready for instant use, and drew from its sheath a long and sharp knife, which he always wore in his belt.  He determined to try the efficacy of his rifle first.  As the animal came in sight it proved to be a she bear.  They are exceedingly ferocious at all times, and their attack is dangerous and often fatal; but particularly so, when they are surrounded by their cubs, as was the case in this instance.

As soon as the animal perceived him it gave indications of an intention to make battle.  Boone levelled his rifle, and remained quiet, until the bear was sufficiently near to enable him to shoot with effect.  In general his aim was sure; but this time the ball not reach the point at which he had aimed; and the wound it inflicted only served to render the animal mad with rage and pain.  It was impossible for him to reload and discharge his gun a second time before it would reach him; and yet he did not relish the idea of grappling with it in close fight.  His knife was the resource to which he instantly turned.  He held it in his right hand in such a position that the bear could not reach his person without receiving its point.  His rifle, held in his left hand, served as a kind of shield.  Thus prepared, he awaited the onset of the formidable animal.  When within a foot of him, it reared itself erect to grasp him with its huge paws.  In this position it pressed upon the knife until the whole blade was buried in its body.  Boone had pointed it directly to the heart of the animal.  It fell harmless to the ground.

[Illustration]

The time fixed for the return of his brother was drawing near.  Extreme solicitude respecting him now disturbed the hitherto even tenor of his life.  He remained most of his time in his cabin, hunting no more than was necessary for subsistence, and then in the direction in which his brother would be likely to approach.  It was not doubt of his brother’s compliance with his promise of return, that disturbed the woodsman—­such a feeling never even entered his mind.  He was confident he would prove faithful to the trust reposed in him; but the difficulties and dangers of the way were so great for a solitary individual upon the route before him, that Boone feared he might fall a victim to them, notwithstanding the utmost exertion of self-possession and fortitude.