The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-16
A BEAR STORY.

It is not generally known that part OF
Hugh McQuaid's mission to the Flathead
country was a search for the Lost Cabin
mine, The fact that he had dreamed on
five consecutive nights that the mine was
located in such and such a place, together
with hearty invitation from his old friend
Major Pete, induced the colonel to spend
five days in the saddle roaming about the
Flathead country. The charming scenery
and genial companionship of his friend
caused him to forget the mine, and he is
now kicking himself because he has also
forgotten the location of the mine. 1t is
with such ease that fortunes sometimes slip
away. The major also had visions of fabu-
lous wealth. Some time ago he found
what appeared to be rich strike, though
he was by no means certain of the value.
For the purpose of gathering reliable infor-
nation he sent an invitation to the we'll
known mining expert, Henry Bratnober, to
visit him at the agency. Brat, who likes
an outing Us we'll as anyone, packed up
few traps and started on the trip. He left
the road at Drummond, where he was
Joined by the major, and commenced the
overland journey. After they were we'll start
ed Brat noticed that they were followed
by beautiful red Irish setter, evidently the
property of a lover of CANNES. The dog
wore handsome collar and appeared to be
well-bred and costly animal. He followed
along behind the two travellers, to whom he
became greatly attached. The affection
was reciprocated and the major began talk
ing of shaking dice for the brute when the
question was disposed of by an unexpected
adventure. By this time the two were
miles away from Drummond in a wild
mountainous country. While the owner
ship of the dog was still under discussion
both Brat and the major we're startled by
the sudden appearance of two black bear
cubs. The bears we're possibly more surprised
for away they ran with the dog at their
heels until they reached the nearest tree,
which they climbed with no loss of alacrity.
They were up in the branches grinning at
the dog when Brat and Maj. Pete arrived
on the scene. Brat thought they should be
killed at once, but the major gazed fondly
at the youngsters scampering among the
tree tops and proposed that they
be captured alive. Brat was satisfied,
and plan was soon outlined. The
dog was tied with a lariat to the
tree to guard the bears while the major
and Brat went to the camp near by for as
sistance. They found party of men who
were more than willing to capture the cubs.
Supplies of ropes, axes and guns were &C.
cured and the party started for. the tree.
AS they came within the scene the major re-
marked that POSSIBLY his eye sight was
failing him but be could see no bears.'
"Oh, I guess they are there all right
enough replied Brat, "only they are try
ing to fool u.s."
But the major was right for as the party
came nearer to the tree not sign of a bear
was to be found. When they reached the
ground, however, the mystery was partly
explained. Around the roots of the tree
was dog collar and near by were few
pieces of dog, just enough to identify the
remains. The amusing little cubs were
tout of sight"
The two veteran frontiersmen looked in
each others eyes for moment then Brat
remarked:
II never thought of the loving female
parent of those little fellows"
Nor l." replied the major.
"And don't think I'll accept another
tender cots invitation to q bear party"
Clipped in another of the rescuing party.
'You see," said Brat, in explaining the
affair afterward, II expect that old bear
came along, and catching on to the situa-
ton walked up to the dog and gave him one
swipe. She was Immediately joined by he1
delighted offsprinRs and away went the trio
smiling over the adventure. don't know
anything about the habits of bears but Ro-
| oI, Inv L,,o r. &bo,, -
the third bear out of the proposition.