St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1896-03-06
CHILDREN'S STORY.
The Boy Who Won the Bounty

The winter had been long and very
severe, and so, though none had been
seen before for years, no one was very
much surprised when the report spread
around that bear had been discovered
on the mountain.
They say there isn't a doubt oft,
father" said Robert Hay, as he was rub
bling down his horse after returning
from the village one cold evening late in
the winter. "Mr. Simpson came upon
their tracks - there are two OF them
on the mountain Yesterday, but as he
hadn't either his dog or gun, he didn't
dare follow; and when he got back with
them and traced them, they ended at
cleared place where the ground was fro
zen hard. I'd like to get shot at them.
The price of the skins and the bounty
would make nice nest egg toward my
college fund, wouldn't it ?"
ut certainly would" said his father
with little sigh; for it was a great
grief to him that he was not able
to give to Roger the education for which
he so longed, and which, in his own
mind, he had determined to have.
wait a moment, father" Roger said,
as his father was leaving the barn mo-
ment later. 81 forgot to give you the
mail; there's letter for you and the
papers. Tell mother that III be in in
five minutes = as hungry as both
bears!"
But when, at the end Of FIVE minutes,
Roger went into the house, he found
things in great state of excitement.
Uncle John has come on from the
West quite unexpectedly, Roger" his
mother said, pausing in her preparations
for supper as he came in, land Aunt
Mary writes that we must come right
over early tomorrow morning, for he
will only be there one night more, and it
may be your fathers last chance of see
ing him for years"
YES" broke in little Charlie, dancing
around the room excitedly, land you
and mes going to keep house all alone,
Roger, cause they'll be gone all night.
Won't it be fun'
do you think that you will be able to
manage, dear ?" his mother asked, look
ing at Roger little anxiously.
"Of course" answered Roger, laugh
ing. I'm prime cook; so don't you
worry, mother"
But when it came time to say good
bye the next morning. the mothers
heart failed her. and as Roger came to
tuck the rug about her and arrange the
hot water can at her feet, she leaned
down and whispered
81 feel a little nervous about those
bears, dear. | know"-as Roger looked
up at her with laughing eyes-"that
they are generally very timid, but
sometimes when they are hungry they
are very fierce, and Charlie is such lit
tie boy, and so nervous that any
fright would do him untold harm"
All the laughter went out of Rogers
face then.
Mother" he said, taking her hand in
both of his, IF promise never to leave
him alone in the house for a moment,
and not to allow him out of my sight
when we are out of it, will it make
you feel more comfortable ?"
"A great DEAL said his mother,
gratefully. 81 may be foolish, but was
worried, and now my kind, big boy has
set my mind at rest, for know that |
can trust him utterly, and so shall have
no fear"
And then she kissed him with look
which sent Roger about his work with
warm glow at his heart.
The day passed busily and happily.
Charlie was delighted at henovel expert
ence of helping get dinner, and felt very
important at being called upon to assist
in feeding "the creatures" as he called
it; and finally, when milking time
arrived, Roger set him to Smelling corn
for the chickens, seated on box in the
barn. 1t was Just at this moment that
one Of the boys from the village came in,
his face glowing with exercise and his
eyes dancing with excitement.
Such lark, Roger!" he exclaimed.
Then, seeing Charlie, he lowered his voice
to a whisper as he went on going close
to Rogers side; Harry saw the bears
not an hour ago, and is pretty sure that
he knows just where to find them. We're
going tonight, and want you to come
along, Tor your the surest shot in the
county. We expect to kill them both,
and well share the bounty and price of
the skins. What time shall we cali for
YOU? I'm in the biggest kind of hurry,
and must be off this moment Will eight
O'Clock do ?"
For moment Roger did not answer,
only MIXED on in silence; but presently,
with deep sigh, he looked upand said
II can't go with you, Dick. Father and
mother have gone over to Huntley and
won't be at home till tomorrow.
must stay with the youngster."
Dick gave whistle OF dismav, but a