Page:The Rover Boys on the Ocean.djvu/50

38 "Hold the door I'll hit him," put in Sam, and picked up the ax-handle. Stepping forward, he struck out heavily, and the bear dropped in a heap, completely dazed and more than half choked to death.

By this time the Italian was again at hand. In one pocket he carried a thin but strong line, and in a twinkle he had tied one fore and one hind leg together, so that the bear, when he got up again, could do little but hobble along. Then from another pocket he drew a leather muzzle, which he buckled over the beast's head. But the bear had had all of the ugliness knocked out of him and was once more as docile as ever.

"Tom," whispered Dick. "I guess the best thing we can do is to get out of this place. If the folks discover the trick you played they'll mob you."

"I guess you're right. But who'll settle our bill?"

"I'll do that," said Sam. "They know I wasn't near the bear when the rumpus started."

So it was agreed, and while Tom and Dick left the hotel grounds Sam strolled into the office to pay their bill. It was some time before the clerk came to wait on him.

"Say, I believe your brother started this kick-up," observed the clerk.