Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1878-11-30
THE TRAPPER's STORY.

was encamped on the head spring OF San
Juan. a region as desOlate in its waste of
rocky hills and mountains As it was fruit
full in furs-the object of our expedition
and the most dangerous savages, who
held full sway at the early time of which
I write. A paradise for trappers it was,
beyond doubt. There were four of us
from the settlement of Colorado-bold,
strong, athletic, not one below six feet,
full formed and muscular. A rude hut
of logs was used as our headquarters and
depository tor the furs. which. from our
success and industry, had become large
and valuable collection. Within the hut
were rude accommodations which our
isolation from the settlements made
scarce from necessity. Blankets swung
from each of the four corners served for
beds, while i'm the center OF the room was
a roughly constructed hearth. About
this hearth and against the walls were
piled and hung the fruits OF our winters
labor. There was much OF real pleasure
in tire wild, rollocking style OF life that
fascinates the trappcr, aud the suffering
and privations which he endures only
lend a Charm to the rowing nature. The
season was drawing to close; the snow
was beginning to disappear liz the valleys
themselves into foam and furies as they
FASTENED down to join the swelling
river.
Early one morning unslung my rifle.
prepared small luncheon, and started
tor the mountainous regions to the
i,orthward of the camp in quest of game
10 supply the larder. Hoping to cross
the valley before warmth OF the rising
sun should convert il into an an impassi-
BILE slough, fastened forward to reseh
the higher mountains, / reached them
lust as the sun began to flood the valley
with all its golden warmth anu beauty.
Pausing OH lofty crest, l viewed one of
the grandest scenes that inimitable ma
ture had placed before my wondering
eyes.
10 the south lay the valley, stretching
I'm its serpentine course until 1t disap-
peared in some lOw-iying hills, to the
north were the mountains, piled one
above another. till their snow capped
tops lost themselves within approaching
clouds. This is only faint idea of the
wonderful beauty which held me for Il
moment. had seen this view many
times before; but each time new beauties
were added, and, with warm spring
sun rejecting from the frosty tops, Ii was
iudescribably beautiful.
Reaching IA narrow dctile that led to
section most frequented by large game,
I pushed rapidly onward. The sun
mount ed higher in the heavens, and the
beautiful frost work, SO lovely when the
first rays OF sunlight made it look like
glittering diamonds, began now 10 melt
into tiny streamlets.
By noon the place where l most ex-
pected To find Il plenteOus supply of game
was reached; but tn my surprise, there
Was not the least visible sign OF any. The
most careful survey disclosed nothing
but tracks several days old. 1t did hot
take me long to decide 10 push to the
northeast and risk the possibility of Il
nights detention in the mountain. Mile
after mile | climbed over tho rough, pre-
cipitotis route. liOw tar had wandered
from the camp was. not easy TO determine;
but as the afternoon WAS dr wing TO u
close, and the sun disappeared behind
the lofty p.'aks about me, sense OF ex-
tr. me fatigue prrvaded my frame,
was completely at Il loss TO explain
the total disappearance OF all signs OF ami
mai life where before there had always
been an abundance; and the only rels OH
able conclusion for me 10 form was that
wandering banb Of NavajOes had pre-
e. edsd me.
had advanced but couple of miles
further i'm this wilderness OF mountains
when OilcOming darkness and signs of an
approaching storm bale me seek some
shelter for the night. Halt way up a
clIviIy discovered cluster of trees
which promised u pan tial shelter, and a
supply of bushwood for a fire. A few
moments brought me to this haven. The
trees were scrubby and afforded little or
10 protection; but thankful for the benefit
of that small favor, l went to work ear
nestly to rake together dry sticks and
leaves tor fire by which To roast some
of the beaver steak which had prepar-
ed for my lunch.
With some difficulty the fire lighted,
and after spultering Tor some time. burst
into comfortable blaze. A couple of
spits were soon ready, and the meat, the
only article l possessed, was bliStering
away before the fire. Stepping few yards
aside to. Il heap of dead brush to get
fresh supply Of fuel. to my great surprise
ami joy discovered IA large cavity in the
rocks. tore away the brush aud vines
about the entrance, and male my way
into the new quarters. 1t proved TO be u
rough apartment. extending about fifty
feet into the side of the mountain, and
widening from the entrance to the back
wall. IL was comparatively dry, and
very desirable shelter from the approach
ing storm. A large pile of brush was
easily passed into the cavity, where |
speedily removed my supper.
When the feeble light of the fire illuini-
mated the dingy place, was not SO par
ticlilarly ut ease as my first impression
led me TO hope would be. The indica-
tions were qnite too evident for me to be
mistaken. had usurped the abode of
q grizzly bear. was not then so fearful
of meeting this terrible monster rs am
now, and was not at all inclined to give
IL up 20 bruin; it was so mitch more com
Portable, compared to the open air. pro-
lection from the storm which was now
beating against the mountain side with
an increased fury.
'Ah! J" was my inward ejaculation.
this storm will certainly drive bruin
back to his home and precipitate meet
ing with me-"
/ felt confident at meeting the bruit
with an advantage to myself. With my
rifle was a sure shot; added to this
were two strengthening navy reyolyers
and reliable huntins-knife. There
was no idea of sleep for me while things
were In this condition. tor l made a
Disk flre near the entrance, and with a
rock at my back, awaited patiently, In
sitting posture, with my rife freshly
prImed and cooked for Instant use ut my
side, Tor the appearance of my enemy.
The rain Was now pouring in torrents
upon the snow, already softencd by the