He had to dodge and twist
and squirm his way through the undergrowth.
But the bear had no such handicaps. His great body crashed straight
through all obstacles. The fearful padding of those monstrous feet came
nearer and nearer. Bert's legs worked like piston rods, but to no avail.
The distance between them steadily decreased, and now he could hear the
labored breathing of his enraged pursuer close on his heels. It was like
a hideous nightmare, and gradually the conviction began to force itself
upon him that he was running his last race. Once in the grip of that
monster, nothing could save him from a frightful death.
But he would not give up. The old "never say die" spirit that had carried
him through so many tight places still persisted. On, on, he ran, putting
every ounce of speed and strength in one last spurt. He could feel the
hot breath of the grizzly and the padding feet were terribly near. Then,
just as the beast was ready to hurl its huge bulk against him, Bert swung
on his heel like a pivot, doubled in his tracks and flashed back past his
pursuer, just escaping a lunge from the outstretched paw.
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