Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1904-07-07

sky ana ths vrests Of sDowclad ridgen
and mountains. This haiti of voicing
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. ~ told you
1t was going to snow"
Blake's cabin stood we'll back from
the edge Of 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
a 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 Q
ham completed the more substantial
portion Of Blake's larder. He otter
surveyed his snug storeroom with
much satisfaction. Nothing but con
flagration 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 houl
had passed since he entered the cabin
the snow already had drifted across
the path and blocked the door. Those
whose knowledge Of snowstorms /:
confined to localities where foot OF
two of snow in forty.eight hours Ii
called blizzard" and esteemed 6
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 freez
ing gale.
It was such a storm that Blake
faced when he opened the cabin dool
and plunged through the drifts into
the tunnel.
"This is an old snifter, isn't 1t
Dog?" he exclaimed as he stood II
the mouth Of the shaft and shook the
snow from his blouse.
Blake lit lantern and wormed hi
way into the dismal hole. A few min
utes later he was hard at work, paus
ing now and then to examine the rocl
with eager eyes. He had been toilinl
for three hours or more when thu
dogs smiling attracted his notice. Al
he turned, the animal raised his head
barked sharply, and growled in 1
peculiar manner.
whats the matter, Dog?" salt
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, Deg, I'm busy" and Blak
| returnad m his tack
Leaning back against the wall o
the tunnel, with his paws hanging
in a most doleful fashion, the dol
sounded long.drawn wall, so pitifu
in its intensity that Blake dropped
his pick and gazed at the animal II
amazement mixed with terror. Tit
animal sprang forward and fastened
his teeth in the leg of Blakes trous
ers, pulling gently but firmly, growl
ing and whining.
This is a new freak" mutteret
Blake, grabbing the lantern. Some
thing has happened. Perhaps the
hut's afre."
He moved quickly towards the
mouth Of the tunnel. The dog gave 6
joyful bark, and led the way. Blake
reached the open air, and fioundered
through the drifts until the cabiI
was visible through the binding snow
The dog went past it, and howlet
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 contlnued.)