Page:The white czar; a story of a polar bear (IA whiteczarstoryof00hawk).pdf/162

 raised his mighty head and looked at the boy.

"Oumauk is here. He will give you a fine fish," repeated the boy.

To the amazement and horror of Mr. Adams, who stood by watching the proceedings curiously, the boy thrust his small hand through the planks towards the mighty jaw of the bear.

"Stop, stop," cried the white man. "For God's sake, don't let him put his hands in there. That brute will bite them off."

"O no," said Eiseeyou. "I am not afraid. They are old friends."

To the astonishment of every one, the mighty bear arose and stood on all fours; then, reaching out his head, he licked the hands of Oumauk with his long, supple red tongue.

Then Oumauk passed his hands over the bear's face and he seemed as delighted as a dog.

When Oumauk had petted and talked to Whitie for a while, a fish was brought and to the surprise of every one but Eiseeyou, the bear took the fish and ate it greedily.