Page:Tolstoy - Tales from Tolstoi.djvu/315

Rh further behind three little bears. The she-bear put her snout into the honey, called to the little bears, who came leaping up and fell upon the pitcher. Then the block of oak began to swing to and fro a little, and as it swung back again it struck the little bears. The she-bear seeing this, hit it with her paw and sent it swinging back again. The block swung still further, and rebounded into the midst of the little bears, striking some on the head and others on the back. The young bears bellowed and leaped out of its way, but the she-bear grew angry, seized the block with both paws above her head, and sent it spinning away from her. The block flew high into the air, whereupon the one-year-old cub rushed to the pitcher, buried his snout into the honey, and began to gobble. The others made for it likewise, but before they could get up to it the block flew back again, struck the one-year-old cub on the head, and killed him. The she-bear was more furious than ever, and seizing hold of the block of wood, sent it flying back with all her might. The block flew this time higher than the branch that held it, and the rope by which it was tied grew slack. Then the she-bear went up to the pitcher again and all the little bears after her. The block flew higher, higher, then it stopped short and came down again, and the lower it came the swifter it went. Down it came upon the she-bear like lightning, crushing down upon her head. The she-bear fell over, wriggled with her legs, and expired. The little bears all ran away. The youth marvelled at the sight and went on further. 265