The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1878-07-17
MISCELLANY
A BEER IDTENTURE.

Dick Barron was one of the most daring
among the pioneers, and he appeared to be
one of the most unfortunate Together with
other neighbors, Dick had removed from Gen.
trail Colorado to the western slope of the Sier-
ia Nevada mountains. His homo was in a
wildly romantic and beautiful spot, and for
tune appeared to smile upon him, so far as his
land yielded well in the summer and the
mines gave fair yield of yellow dross " in
the colder months.
But death came Ia til affinity of Dick
The first stroke fell upon his eldest boy, a
lad of twelve years of age The little fellow
was fond of hunting, and, with his rifle, he
would often venture Il considerable distance
from his home, aud sometimes be very sue
cessiul in bringing down small game. But one
day he was absent much beyond his usual
time, and search discovered his mangled re-
mains lying at the bottom of ledge of rocks
lie had evidently fallen from above and thus
met sudden and cruel death. The blow fell
heavily upon Dick and his wife, but the man
bore brayely up under his grief, while the
woman gave way to melancholy.
Not long after u second child, a little girl of
five years of age, sckened and died 1t now
appeared as if Mrs. Barron would go mad,
and for time her agony was terrible to be.
hold. But this gradually subsidized, and the
mother began to sink rapidly, and in short
time after she followed Der little one, leaving
still another child, daughter, three Years of
age, to the care of the str ken, father.
The grief Of Dick was not of an explosive
character, but it vas deep and enduring
Still he had something yet to live for and he
went to work like a brave man to provide for
his little Eva. Winter had set in, and Dick
had come to the conclusion to make as much
as possible in the mines before spring, and
then tie sell his property end go to San Fran
cisco, where he could secure the advantages
of education for his little one.
For some time the neighbors of Dick, as
well as himself, had been much annoyed by
theft. Several lambs and sheep had been
killed, and poultry in large quantities stolen.
There was difference of opinion with regard
to these depredations. Some said they were
committed by Indians, others by wolves, and
others by bears. But as yet no snow had fall
ell, aud as the ground was frozen very hard,
no tracks could be seen.
One morning, however, the alarm was Civ
en-. A light snow had fallea- during the
night and tracks were discovered. A large
grizzly bear was the thief and despoier and
he must be hunted down at once. 1t was
not supposed that they would be obliged to
go far to find the animal. and so Dick seized
his rifle and joined the party, leaving the
child still in bed
The tracks were fresh and a dozen excited
men were soon on the trail. In short time
they were on the monster but each man
paused, turning their eyes toward Dick, and
waiting for him to speak.
The bear was standing near the cabin door,
Of Barron, gazing at the child, who was seat
ed in the doorway, watching the movements
of the animal with evident curiosity, but with
out exhibiting any signs of fear.
Dick felt his very heart sink within him as
he saw this but his weakness passed away
in an instant, and without removing his eyes
from the bear, he asked
+" Men, can you use your rifles with steady
hands 2"
" Yes, replied several.
@ Then raise them and have them ready
Be sure your aim is good AID that every bull
let would be buried in the body Of the beast
in case Of firing. But hold your shots until
give the word"
Instantly every rifle was raised.
Dick moved carefully around toward the
back Of the cabin. 1t was his intention to
enter the window, seize his little one, draw
her back and, closing the door, save her.
But now the animal began to utter deep
growls and advance slowly toward Eva. The
father saw this and exclaimed
" My darling, getup go into the house and
close the door,
The child looked up, smiled, and then arose,
attempting to do the bidding of the father (;
but the monster advanced with fearful
howl, and as the door was closed against him
he struck it with one of his huge paws, shat
tering it into splinters
81 feared this. Fire, but be careful and
not injure my child ! =" cried the father.
He discharged his own piece, and at the
same time dozen other rifles rang out. The
bear gave most fearful howl, turned upon
his enemies, glaring upon them with eyes of
fire, ard seemed just on the point Of spring
ing upon them. Suddenly, however, the
beast appeared to change his mind. Turning
quickly around, the monster entered the cab.
in. A Shrek was instantly heard, and the