This difficulty could not occur in the German, where essen
signifies the act of feeding by a man, and fressen by a beast.
How
simple the thing would be in German!
HIER LIEGT
HOCHWOHLGEBOREN
HERR _____ _______
GEFRESSEN
Aug. 20, 1877
That explains itself. The well-born one was eaten by a beast, and
presumably by a bear, - an animal that has a bad reputation since the
days of Elisha.
The bear was coming on; he had, in fact, come on. I judged that he
could see the whites of my eyes. All my subsequent reflections were
confused. I raised the gun, covered the bear's breast with the
sight, and let drive. Then I turned, and ran like a deer. I did not
hear the bear pursuing. I looked back. The bear had stopped. He
was lying down. I then remembered that the best thing to do after
having fired your gun is to reload it. I slipped in a charge,
keeping my eyes on the bear. He never stirred. I walked back
suspiciously. There was a quiver in the hindlegs, but no other
motion. Still, he might be shamming: bears often sham. To make
sure, I approached, and put a ball into his head. He didn't mind it
now: he minded nothing. Death had come to him with a merciful
suddenness. He was calm in death. In order that he might remain so,
I blew his brains out, and then started for home. I had killed a
bear!
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