Having re-capped my rifle, I again lifted it to my shoulder.  At that moment Bruin, who had grown tired of watching me, went down on all fours.  The favourable opportunity was lost; for although I might still lodge a bullet in its head, I might not kill it at once, and I should probably be torn to pieces.  I stood steady as before, though sorely tempted to run.  Instead, however, of coming towards me, to my surprise, the bear returned to the log, and recommenced its occupation of scratching for insects.