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 herself or seek some means of escape and summon help? But it was not easy to find an outlet. All around her protruded the sharp points of twigs, trunks of trees and rocks. Although it might not be entirely impossible after a hard struggle to climb over them, within reach of the savage beast it was a dangerous risk. Peace-Renown definitely decided against launching an attack upon the beast, to defend herself only if it proved to be absolutely necessary and to at once blow upon her horn the call for help.

Before its sound had died away, the she-bear jumped up and, snarling, advanced towards the girl. There was no time for the bow and arrow, the beast was too close. She grasped her spear in both hands and, planting her shoulders squarely against the rock behind her, she held it out in front of her towards the bear. Distracted by the twinkle of the metal the beast paused. The two enemies stood face to face a long moment, neither moving her eyes from the other. Peace-Renown had no intention of starting the attack. The bear sought with her eyes some means of getting at her enemy. Suddenly she picked up a stone in her forepaws and reared upon her hind legs to take aim. At that same instant Peace-Renown with all the strength she possessed cast the spear, striking the beast between its forepaws. With a howl she toppled over on her back, bathed in blood. But it was not a mortal wound and in a moment the beast was up on her feet again. The blood streamed from her, but without heeding the pain, she lunged once more towards Peace-Renown who now fully realized her perilous predicament. The infuriated beast made straight for her, fangs bared in a horrible grin.

There was only one way to escape, by climbing unto the ledge of rock protruding just above her shoulders. With a swift movement, she stood upon the narrow ledge of rock. Her heart slowed its mad beating, now she felt a little safer, for if she was attacked here, she thought it would be easier to ward