Two youths working at a fur fort in the Canadian Northwest decide to take advantage of a half-day off granted by the Hudson Bay Company factor. During a cold winter, they venture out onto a frozen lake, where they clear the ice to fish for trout. Their fishing is successful, but they soon spot what they initially believe to be a buffalo. Upon closer inspection, they realize it is a bear. The youths attempt to hunt the bear, first firing a pistol shot that injures it. They skate around the bear, trying to distract it while throwing a hatchet, but the bear retaliates, chasing them. One of the youths, McBeath, narrowly escapes a dangerous encounter when he gets too close to the bear with a spear. Realizing the situation is serious, they return to the fort to fetch a rifle for better protection. They track the bear through the woods, following the blood trail left from their initial encounter. As they approach, they hear the bear moving through the underbrush. With determination, they manage to shoot the bear, killing it. Proud of their accomplishment, they take the bear's skin, which is as large as that of a buffalo, leaving the carcass behind. The tale highlights themes of adventure, bravery, and the challenges of hunting in the wilderness.
By James McIntyre · First published 1890 · Genre: Adventure, Poetry, Nature Writing