The age-herald., 1900-02-11
Chapter VI.

Chapter VI.
 Aroused after a short time from un- consciousness that had resulted from his overstrained nerves, George was aston ished to find himself in a house and lying on a bed. Eleanor and the boys were stand ing around anxiously watching the strang- CT who bent over him, applying restoratives and flaming him with a big hat.
 He recalled the scene on the creek, closed his eyes, and groaned at the remembrance He could not form the words to ask the question if Bert was hurt or what had be- Come of the bear. @
 The old man seemed to guess the thought uppermost in his mind without waiting to hear the question trembling on Georges lips, and immediately called cheer1y to Bert: Come here, young man. and tell your friend he is quite a wonderful marks man, and that his aim was so true a little tie bit ago his bearship, your antagonist, now lies still in death, waiting the amputa- tion of his paws as trophies of your days sport. s.. ...-.
 Georges relief was so great that he sprang up instantly from the bed to grasp Berts hand as he came quickly toward him. He was unable to articulate a word, and grew weak and faint at the thought of having to look into the face of Berts mother, had he been so unfortunate as to wound her boy Come old fellow" Bert said quite heartily, you saved my life reckon. You are first-class and no mis- take. I was sure was gone when I saw you pull that trigger, but it was a choice between you and the bear and I really think had preference even then to come to my end by the hand of friend"
 We'll what do you mean by keeling over, in faint like baby is what should like to know" was Eleanors sisterly remark. Anybody who is brave enough to shoot bear to be guilty of such a thing! .I. have done such thing myself"
 "Never you mind Miss, may be you would have done few minutes later to see me affectionately caressed. by, that horrid creature, My. it makes me sick to think of 1t now"
 'I am delighted that you finished the old fellow. but terribly disappointed that I lost the chance. have been watching for him more than a week" Their new acquaint- ance-spoke with appreciation of the young ster's slxill-15sr -,-tss .s.5 5-.t.s George turned to the speaker, and said: Why did you not shoot? Was 1t not you who put the gun in my hand?" e Yes. and right glad I am that I did so fearful though was at the time. am too old to take as steady aim as you can, my young friend, and Bert, think you called him, might have fared as the bear did had l undertaken it. You are to be congratu- latetd on your nerve"
 Manifested by fainting?" George replied shamefacedly "I am afraid should never have done 1t if, I had had a moment to consider Come, boys, let us go see the old fellow"
 Jubilantly, they all proceeded to the spot only few yards from the door where the dead bear lay. So eaIted were they at thte termination of this unexpected epi- sode, for a time the falls were forgotten and it's anticipated wonders eclipsed by the gratifying fact that they actually had not only seen wild bear, but had shot one They were in a transport of delight over the achievement
 The beautiful brown skin would have made them supremely happy, but owing to ineXperience in bear hunting they were compelled to content themselves with the paws -..-+.. @~s
 After much discussion of bears generally. I and this one particularly. it was suggested that little time would be left to reach the falls, and that they would better renew their journey at once if they expected to do so. Their new friend assured them that only a short distance lay between them and the goal, which would amply reward them for completing the tedious journey.
 "Go," he continued, land when you have enjoyed 1t sufficiently, come back here, and I shall meet you and take you to my cabin for some lunch No doubt you will behun- gry enough by that time to relish even such food I may find for you"
 Thanking him for his kindness, they
 
 sion
 So consuming was the curiosity which possessed them concerning the old man, they failed to observe that the way was becoming less toilsome, and neglected to perceive evidence of the terminus of their trip. Many conjectures and surmises as to who he was and why he chose to live in this isolated spot, were made by the young people, and he furnished the theme for conversation till they reached their destination.
 Enthusiastic desire for a sight of the falls being so diminished, they were be- ginning to grow very tired, when the roar and splash of falling water revived their Tagging energies, and prepared them for the sight which, a few steps further on by a sudden turn in the course of the stream, suddenly burst upon them.
 Standing perfectly still they gazed upon the grandeur and splendor of the scene.
 All around. except where they stood. was a towering wall of rock. It looked as if they had entered immense room, so symmetrical were the three sides. It pro-