Idaho Springs siftings., 1904-07-09

shy and the crests of snowclad ridges
and mountains. This habit of voicing
thought develops in those who spend
long periods in solitude. and james
Blake-once a farmer boy in Hing
ham, and now California gold miner
and prospector-was no exception to
the rule.
Lets get breakfast. Dog" he said
as he entered the cabin. Il told you
it was going to snow"
Blake's cabin stood well back from
the edge Of a cliff half way up the
slope of valley in the Sierra Ne
vadas of Central California.
Scattered along the walls were min
ing tools. powder kegs. guns. fishing
rods, and miscellaneous assortment
of lumber and firewood. A small but
strongly constructed ell was used as
storeroom. launches OF venison.
the carcass Of brown bear, and long
strings OF mountain trout were here
securely guarded against the depre-
dations of wandering animals. Bags
of -four and oatmeal, some potatoes,
sides of bacon. and the remnants of a
ham completed the more substantial
portion of Blake's iarder. 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 III
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 IL
confined 10 localities where foot or
two of snow in forty-eight hours is
| called a blizzard and esteemed .
| meteorological event. have no con-
ception of snow storm in the 81
erras. Near the timber line in the
Sierra Nevadas there has been ra-
corded a fall of fourteen feet CT
snow in as many consecutive hours
an inch every five minutes-a swirl
ing. writhing. choking maelstrom CT
fakes. borne on the wings of freez-
ing gale
II was such a storm that Blake
AeNNh NhNh AA' RI'itA lht fdpfh bANi
and plunged through the drifts into
the tunnel.
This is an old snlfter. isn't 1t.
| 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 mip-
utes later he was hard at work. paus-
| Ing now and then 10 examine the rock
| with eager eyes. He had been toilirg
| for three hours or more when the
dogs smiling attracted his notice. As
he turned. the animal raised his head.
ba-ked sharply, and growled in a
peculiar manner.
What's the matter. Dos?" said
Blake. patting his friend. What =
cursed shame the creature can't talk.
| What's up. old boy? Seen a bear.
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 ef
the tunnel. with his paws hanging
| in a most doiefui fashion, the dog
| sounded a long-drawn wall, so pitifii
in its intensity that Blake dropped
| his pick and gazed at the animal In
amazement mixed with terror. Tie
animal sprang forward and fastene
his teeth in the leg of Blake's trous
ers, pulling gently but firmly, growl
| ing and whining.
This is new freak" muttered
Blake, grabbing the lantern. Some
thing has happened. Perhaps the
hut's anre."
He moved quickly towards tho
mouth of the tunnel. The dog gave
| joyful bark. and led the way. Blake
| reached the open air, and foundered
| through the drifts until the cabin
was visible through the binding snow
| The dog went past Il. and howled
dismally when his master paused.
Rushing into the hut. Blake secured
| long rope. one end Of which he tied
/ to the leg of bench near the door.
| Paying out the coil he dashed sturdily
| fpruard