Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-10-07
sy1omth's Column.
GRANDMOTHER's BEAR.
BY ELLEN E. CHASE.

Such wee bit of house as it was
1t looked as if it had lost itself in the
woods, and, at last. when it came to
clearing, it had just settled down to con-
slider, and never stirred another step
from the spot.
Such little house as it was that it
always seemed to be running over with
children; just such merry, restless,
romping children as live nowadays,
though that was nearly hundred years
ago. And such a wee bit of woman
was Grandmother. 1t did almost seem
as if Grandfather could just stow her
away in one of the pockets of his great
coat, if he pleased. But l never heard
that he did. Not wrinkled and gray
was Grandmother, then; but almost as
rosy-cheeked and bright-eyed as even
little Molly or Bess. I'm sure if you
had lived in those days, and had CHANGED
to peep into the wee bit of house,
sometime, aud had seen the wee bit of a
woman setting at the little old wheel
spinning fax, you would have wondered
if it wasn't fairy playing at house.
keeping.
But such gruff, fierce old fellow was
he Grandfather
Bless you Mr.. Bruin, of course.
rUu ooo, nc u peU Uear, all,
that had been taught to dance and,
shoulder arms, like soldier. Not he;
He lived in the deeps of the woods, in
a cave or hollow old tree, and ate
berries and nuts and | know not what.
And when he wanted an extra Thank
giving dinner he just started off for the
latest sheep or tenderest lamb he could
find.
So you see, he came one night tc
Grandfather's sheep-cote. Grandmoth
er and Grandfather were sound asleeI
and the children had all gone to dream
land.
whats that % cried Grandmothe
suddenly wakened by some noise out o
doors. But Grandfather slept on.
christopher p cried the little woman
giving him good shaking.
"Ready-aim-fr !' said GRANDPA
! ther, only half awake, and thinking tina
somehow, battle was near. GRANDPA
Their had been a brave officer in the Rev
olution, and you see Grandmother's al
7 tack just reused him enough to max
him think he was having struggl
t with the red-coats again.
4 christopher l'' cried Grandmothe
: once more; "get up quick there's
i bear in the fold -
And Grandfather answered,
d "Fire !" and was sound asleep in
n minute.
n SAY, that will' said Grandmothe
II springing out of bed and raising the o
l. gun that hung behind the door, alwa
loaded, ready for prowling Indians
:, wild beasts.
t. Cautiously she crept out of doors al
d around the house, carrying the big GU
which looked as if it was running avn
with her instead.
> Sure enough, there was old Bru
= just climbing over the high fold, with
white lamb in his savage paws.
. Bang went the gun.
Grandfather, hearing it jumped ia
" ly out of bed, thinking the British h
= indeed opened fire. In minute Graz
,. mother came in with the gun.
!. "Look here, Christopher" said She
He followed her out of doors and S
= pointed to the big. black bear, lyi
- dead on the ground.
~ "Well, WE'LL" said Grandfath
I'll ''You ought to be promoted"
p "Why, Major" answered the lit
,ot woman, with twinkle in the brave b
To eyes, 'you gave command; l only OBJ
~ ed orders"
Nevertheless it was always spoken
as "Grandmother's Bear.