Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1904-06-23

sky and the o-ests Of snowciad ridge
ans mountains. This habit OF voieing
thought develops in those who spend
long periods in solitude, and James
Blake-once a farmer boy In Hing
ham. and now a California gold miner
and prospector-was no exception TO
the rule.
Let's get breakfast. Dog" he said
as he entered the cabin. Il told you
# was going to snow"
Blake's cabin stood well back from
the edge Of a cliff half way up the
slope OF a valley in the Sierra Ne
vadas of Central California.
Scattered along the walls we're min
ing tools. powder kegs, guns. fishing
rods. and a miscellaneous assortment
OF lumber and frewOod. A small but
strongly constructed ell was used as
a storerOom. launches OF venison,
the carcass OF brown bear, and long
strings of mountain trout we're here
securely guarded against the depre-
dations Of wandering animals. Bags
sides OF bacon. and the remnants of a
ham completed the more substantial
portion of Blakes larder. He often
surveyed his snug storeroOm with
much satisfaction. Nothing but a con-
Migration or a serious illness could
disturb his labors during the long
winter season.
Breakfast ended, James Blake lit
his pipe and started for the mouth of
the tunnel. Though less than an hour
had passed since he entered the cabin
the snow already had drifted across
the path and blocked the door. Those
whose knowledge of snOwstorms is
confined to localities where a foot or
two of snow in forty.eight hours is
called a blizzard" and esteemed a
meteorological event, have no con.
ception of snow storm in the 81.
erras. Near the timber line in the
Sierra Nevadas there has been re.
corded a fall of fourteen feet of
snow in as many consecutive hours
an inch every five minutes--a swirl.
ing. writhing, choking maelstrom of
flakes. borne on the wings OF fieez-
ing gale.
1t was such a storm that Blake
faced when he opened the cabin door
and plunged through the drifts into
the tunnel.
This is an old snifter. isn't it.
Dog?" he exclaimed as he stood in
the mouth of the shaft and shook the
snow from his blouse.
Blake lit a lantern and wOrmed his
way into the dismal hole. A few MINI
utes later he was hard at work. paus-
ing now and then to examine the rock
with eager eyes. He had been toiling
for three hours or more when the
dogs smiling attracted his notice. AS
he turned. the animal raised his head
barked sharply and growled in a
peculiar manner.
What's the matter DOg?" said
Blake. patting his friend. What a
cursed shame the creature can't talk!
Don't bother with him-let him alone.
Go away. Dog I'm busy" and Blake
returned to his task.
Leaning back against the wall Of
the tunnel, with his paws hanging
In most doleful fashion. the dog
sounded a long.drawn wall. so pitiful
in its intensity that Blake dropped
his pick and gazed at the animal in
amszement mixed with terror. The
animal sprang forward and fastened
his teeth in the leg of Blake's trous-
ers pulling gently but firmly, grOwl-
ing and whining.
This is a new freak" muttered
Blake. grabbing the lantern. Some.
thing has happened. Perhaps the
hut's aire."
He moved quickly towards the
mouth of the tunnel. The dog gave a
joyful bark, and led the way. Blake
reached the open air, and fioundered
through the drifts until the cabin
was visible through the binding snow.
The dog went past it, and howled
dismally when his master paused.
Rushing into the hut, Blake secured
a long rope, one end of which he tied
to the leg of bench near the door.
Paying out the coil he dashed sturdily
forward.
Ito be continued)