The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-01

There Is scarcely a Montana pioneer OF
30 years but has heard OF, or personally
known, the late John Lepley, the cattle
KING and fnancier. says III. Robbins. in
the Anaconda Standard. Mr.. Lepley used
TO go to New York great deal, and
while there met many prominent men.
Montana was then quite wonderland 10
the purple and fine linen" aristocrats Of
the effete East and Mr.. Lepley used to
tell them a great many things about
brushes with the Indians" and fights
with the big grizzlies" and the immense
herds OF buffaloes. and other wonderful
sights and experiences that were common
TO the Montanan. 1t so happened that
Mr.. Lepley interested several of these
pilgrims. and they formed small party
to come out to Benton and take little
hunt with Mr.. Lepley. They had very
pleasant trip up the river and saw SO
much game along the banks they were
anxious TO reach their destination and get
a chance at a bear or deer with their
rifles.
Mr. Lepley fixed up a good outfit for
the party, and all of them went over to-
ward the Highwoods armed. literally,
20 the teeth.
On the way they killed a jack rabbit
or two, and some chickens, but little
things like that would not satisfy any
such bloodthlrsty nimrods, for every one
In the party had promised his wife a bear
skin rug. and some of them had engaged
TO bring back several for their friends.
They camped near the mouth OF the Shon-
kin, and the next morning bright and
early started for the chase. The party
reached a small park I'm the valley where
the stream leaves the mountains, and I'm
this park and along the streams were a
number OF small cottonwood trees, not
more than ten or II feet high, and about
three inches through at the base. A little
further up was a clump OF willows. The
hunters were having a parley in order
10 determine how to divide up for the
hunt, when they were attracted by the
cultural growl that grizzly always
makes when he is disturbed and fright
ened. Before We proceed with the story.
however, we ought to- say to the reader
who did not know the late Mr. Lepley
that he was a large man and a very heavy
one.
He was exceptionally large. weighing
perhaps 275 pounds at that time.
Well each one OF the party strained
his eyes In the direction of the growl.
when. before any one could realize what
was happening, a great big grizzly came
galloping toward them. With one accord
each one threw away his rife and other
hunting impedmenta and commenced
hot foot In the other direction Mr..
Lepley was dlsgusted at their lack Of
nerve and presence Of mind, and, running
toward small cottonwood he com
menced 20 climb a. And he shouted at
the top OF his voice TO the fleeing hunters.
Climb tree. climb a tree. don't you see
what | am doingf Climb n tree like me.
But the grizzly was not looking for
fight and soon disappeared down the
canyon at a greatly accelerated speed.
caused no doubt by the fact that he
thought Mr.. Lepley was after him and
yelling at him. When he had gone and
the hunters returned 10 hold council
OF war and determine on an honorable re-
treat, they found MIR. Lcpicy still cling
ing 10 the little tree sitting sauareiy on
the ground. where he had been through
the whole operation. lie explained after
ward that I'm his excitement he did not
think of the small size OF the tree and
Imagined that he had climbed 10 height
sufficient 10 secure immunity from the
bears attack I am unable to fnish the
story bu, we viii suppose that the New
Workers determined that they could buy
bear skins cheaper at the trading post
In Benton or az "Wtczel's'' than they could
kill them and In consequence laid In n big
supply for their return home.
And probably they are telling their little
grandchildren today how they shot the
big fellow whose skin adorns the fireplace
of come Fifth avenue palace.