Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-09-24
StlrttcO Storp.
A BEAR ADVENTURE.

Dick Barron was one OF the most dar-
ing among iho pioneers, and Is appeared
10 be one OF tho most unfortunate. To-
sethey wilh others OF his neighbors, he
had removed from Central Colorado TO
the western slope Oi the Sierra Nevada
moaa;Sias His home Va, in wildly
romaniic and beautiful spot. and fortune
seemed to smile on him so lar IS his pc
cuuiary matters were concerned; for his
land yielded well 10 the snmmer, and
,he mines gave fair yield o! .he vel
low dross during The colder months Of
the year.
Bul death came 10 the family OF Dick.
The firsI stroke fell upon his eldest boy,
a lad twelve years Of age. The little
fellow was fond of hunting, and with
his rifle would frequently venture con-
siderable distance from his home and
sometimes was very successful in bring
ing down small gsme. But one day he
vas absent much beyond mis- usual time,
and search discovered his nangied re-
mains ly ing a, the bottom Of ledge Of
rocks. lie had evidently fallen from
above, and thus ne, sudden and cruel
death The blow tell heavily upon Dick
and his vile. but ihe man bore brAvely
up under his grief. while the woman
gave way 10 melancholy.
MOI long alGer. second child. q lhtle
girl OF five years OF age, sickened and
died. Ii now appeared as il Mcs. Bar
ron would go mad, and for nme her
agony was terrible to behold. Bat this
gradually sLbsided, and the mother be-
gan 10 sink rapidly, and IL q short lime
she followed her little ones, leaving still
another child, daughter three years OF
age. to the care OF The griet-s.ricken
father.
The grief OF Dick was not Of an ex-
plosive character, but it was deep and
enduring. Still be had something Jet tc
live ior, and he went 70 work like 3
brave man to provide Tor his little Eva
Winter had Sc, in. and Dick had come &c
the conclusion TO make as much as pOssi.
Die in the mines before ..:1. S-d thel
sell mis- property aud 60 10 San Francisco
where he could have the advantages oi
education for his little one,
For some time the neighbors OF Dick
az well as myself. had been much an
noyed By theft. Several sheep and lambs
had been killed, and large quantities o
poultry stolen. There was difference
of opinion with regard 10 these deprada
tions. Some said they were committed
by Indians. others By wolves and others
by tears.
Bat Us yet no snow had fallen, and, a
the ground was frozen very hard. NJ
tracks could be seen.
One morning. however. the alarm wa
I given. A light snow had fallen during
the night, and tracks were discovered
/ A large grizzly bear was the thief aLC
despoller, and mus, be hunted down Il
once. Il was not supposed that the,
would be obliged to 20 l-r 10 ind III
animal, and so Dick seized his rifle an,
Joined the party. leaving his child sill il
bed.
The tracks were fresh. and dozel
excited men were soon on the trail. i
q short time they wers on tne monster
but esch man psused, turning theiT eye
upon Dick, waiting for him 10 speak
The bear was standing near the cabi
door Of Barron. gazing at the child. VIII
was seated IN the doorway, watching Ia
animal with evident curiosity, bat viii
no sign OF fear.
Dick felt his heart sink within him a
he saw this, but his weakness passe'
! away in an instant, and without remov