The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1878-05-03
Where is he,' I asked, coming

Where is he,' | asked, coming
up.
Right there, exclaimed Joe,
pointing with his finger towards a
fallen tree near which I was stand
ing.
"Wh-"
Before I could complete the
question, was startled by hoarse
growl near my feet, and / sprang
back just in time to avoid the huge
paw Of the bear, who had been ly-
ing behind the tree, partly conceal
ed by the decayed branches.
The brute was SO weakened BY
his wounds, that he fell from the
force of his blow, and before he
could recover himself ball from
my revolver finished him.
We had no trouble cutting up
the bear, but packing it to camp
was noeasy matter. Westarted with
about one hundred and fifty pounds
apiece on our backs, bnt before
reaching camp the loads had de
creased to about ten pounds each.
But We had plenty of meat after
this adventure, for the boys became
Jealous of our good luck and struck
E out in al directions to get even
with us.
The boys, however, had become
discouraged, and many were il
favor of striking out for Elk City
To leave good prospects behind
after all our toll, trouble and
danger, seemed to me neither SEN
sible nor desirable, and | had made
up my mind to remain if | had to
90 it alone. But fortunately there
we're others Of the party who were
equally desirous to obtain some re
ward for their hardships, and even
the prospect Of living upon meat
straight for weeks, perhaps months
seemed more desirable than total
Abandonment Of the enterprise.
AS there was no object, however,
in remaining where we were, and
as we could neither continue uE
the Salmon or return in the direc-
ton Of Orc Fino, it was agreed by
all to cross the mountains in the
E direction Of Elk City, and to pros
pect by the way. The toilsom'
ascent Of the mountain accordingly
r commenced. We struck an ole
trail below the mouth OF Meadow
creek, which led to the summit, bu
it was almost impossible for either
man or beast. But the boys stuck
bravely to their work, and IN spite
Of all obstacles succeeded in reach
ing the top Of the mountain with
out even the loss of a horse. At the
summit we found spring Of COO
: refreshing water, and timber being
plenty, We made comfortable anc
convenient camp and enjoyed 9
most refreshing nights rest.
Next day we continued through
the summit ofthe mountains. The
path was obstrueted By small but
thiekly grown trees, and all the
men who were supplied with axes
were obliged to act as pioneers and
) cut road through for the horses
Kennebec Joe took the lead il
search of game, and gotso far aheac
of the party, that when night came
on, he failed to reach camp.
Our days travel had led US t.
the edge Of a wide basin, intersect-
ed with small groves Of trees anc
diminutiye parks watered by creekl
and springs. During part Of th'
T might, we kept up a large camp
J fire and signalled repeatedly tt
enable Joe to find Us, and toward
J midnight succeeded in making out
J whereabouts known to him. On
reaching the camp Joe reported
haying ex9lofed a portion Of tn
], basin and discovered the creeks
] and springs above mentioned, ant
described in glowing terms the riel
, appearance Of the gravel and tht
q