Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-10-24
UNCLE BRAD'S ADVENTURE

"Tell us one of your hunting stories,
Uncle Brad.
"Yes, bear story. Did you ever shoot
q bear?"
"Yes, tell us about the first one you
ever shot att"
did you kill him 2"
well, he didn't kill me, which wac
the most astonishing point of my first
bear shooting.
That's the story we want 70 hear, Un-
Gle Brad. Go on, please"
Two or three lively boys settled them.
selves TO listen with eager interest.
My father" began Uncle Brad, was
an enthusiastic hunter, and made up his
mind that his boys should early learn to
handle guns. He used to take US out on
long camping expeditions when we were
quite small boys. One summer he could
not go, SO he engaged an old hunter,
whose name was Dan, to go and take
charge of us.
We took a ride by rail to small town
on the border of one of the small Can
ada lakes. Here we secured our canoes
and supplies, and after padding around
its smooth shore came to a small river.
This was our jumping off place, for a
half breeds hut at its mouth was the last
vestige of civilization. We spent the
night there, and the next morning were
making preparations TO paddle far up the
stream in search of game and fishing,
when the first hitch came.
"Pve got to go back to town." said
Dan.
what for?" arose in chorus of three
dismayed voices.
"The box of canned meats wasn't put
in"
what lot of stupidsl"
"Let's so on without it.
"That wouldn't do" said Dan. "Pl
be back here with it tomorrow.
well, / said, "then wen 20 on up
the stream and find good camping
place and be all fixed when you come. :"
"No," said Dan, "that wasn't accord.
in to the 'greement with your father.
You can stay here till tomorrow.
Jack, Phil, and grumbled in great
discomfort, but there was nothing else to
be done. Dan got into his canoe and
swiftly padded out of sight.
II say, Phil, / said, "why couldn't we
go up the river by ourselves now instead
Of waiting until tomorrow.
Il don't believe father'd like it, said
Phil.
"Nonsensel Are we never going to be
big enough to take care of ourselves 2
What harm could it be? We can Just
paddle up till we find good spot and
pitch our tent. Dan couldn't miss us to-
morrow"
Phil still objected little, but the end
Of it was that within an hour we left the
message for Dan with our last nights
host and started up the stream.
1t was rather hard work, but the crisp,
invigorating air seemed to put a new
spring into our limbs, and we found de-
light in every touch of the wind and
every glance of the sun from sky OF
water. We padded with will until we
had put a long distance between our
selves and all other human beings.
AT length we came to a place which
seemed the spot of all others the best fit
ted for camp, and with one consent be-
gan settling ourselves.
How we did work! Our enthusiasm
was at a fever heat when, as the tent
cleaned white among the green sur
roundings, we unpacked our supplies and
by roaring camp fire. which felt pleas
ant in the chill of approaching night,
made supper suitable to such appetites.
Then work was over and we began to
realize how tired we were. The sun
sank low as we fingered around our fire
and the tall trees above us seemed to
grow taller and darker every moment.
A hush in which was something awful
and oppressive settled down with the
twilight, broken only by a mournfuI
signing of the wind through the treetops,
or the half wailing note of some night
bird.
Our animated chatter soon died away.
Il wish we were back-don't your"
asked Jack after silence, speaking as IL
he were half afraid of being laughed at
or scolded. But he received neither re-
buke nor ridicule, for itsuddenlyldawned
upon me that was In my secret heart
wishing the same thing with all my
might. began to wonder how l had
dared to take the responsibility of bring
Ing my two young brothers into this soli-
tude.
No, don't wish / was back, said
Phil bravely. SITS lots Of fun to be off
here all alone-of course il ia. But
wouldn't mind If Dan was here.
Hell be here all right tomorrow, I
said. @Wouldn't 1t be something to tell
Of il we should shoot deer or something
before he got here7"
Or bear, said Phil.