Rocky Ford enterprise., 1904-07-08

sky 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 a California gold miner
and prospectOr-was no exception 10
the rule.
Let's get breakfast. DOG" he said
as he entered the cabin. u told you
II was going to snow"
Blake's cabin stood well back from
the edge Of a cliu halls way up the
slope Of a valley In the Sierra Ne
yadas of Central California.
Scattered along the walls were min.
ing tools. powder kegs. guns. fishing
rods, and a miscellaneous assortment
of lumber and hrewood. 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
ham completed the more substantial
portion Of Biakeis larder. He often
surveyed his snug storeroom with
much satisfaction. Nothing but con
fagration or serious Illness could
disturb his labors during the long
winter season.
Breakfast ended, James Blake liz
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 II
confined to localities where n foot or
two of snow in forty.cisht hours Is
called a blizzard" and esteemed
meteoroioSical event. have no con-
ceptIon of n snow storm In the 81
erraH. Near the timber line In the
Sierra Ncyadas there has been re-
corded n fall OF fourteen feet OF
snow In as many consecutive hours
an inch every Ave mInutes-a swirl
ing. wrIthing. choking maelsirom OF
fakes. borne on the wings of n freez-
Ins gale.
II was such a storm that Blake
faced when he opened the cabin door
and plunged through the drifts into
the tunnel.
This In nm old EnIftcr. Isn't II.
Dog?" he exclaimed rs he stood In
the mouth OF the shaft and shook tho
snow from his blouse.
Blake 1T n lantern and wormcd his
way into the dismal hole. a few min.
utcS later he was hard ut work. paus-
ks.. h.t 10. aftK. h.
with eager eyes. He had been toiling
for three hours or more when tho
dogs smiling attracted his notice. As
he turned. the animal raised his head.
ba-kcd sharply. and growled In n
peculiar manner.
What's the matter. DoE7" said
Blake. pntting his friend. What n
cursed shame the creature can't talk
What's up. old boy7 Seen bear.
Don't bother with hIm-ict him alone.
Go away. Dog. I'm busy" and Blake
returned to his task.
Leaning back against tho wall Of
the tunnel, with his paws hanging
In n most dolcful fashion. the dog 4
sounded lonS-drawn wall. 20 pItiful
In its intensity that Blake dropped
his pick and gaZcd ut the animal In
amazemcnt mixed with terror. The
animal sprang forward and fastened
his teeth In the leg OF Blakc's trous.
crs. pulling gently but firmly, growl-
ing and whining.
This is n new freak" muttered
Blake. grabbing the lantern. Some
thing has happened. Perhaps tho
hut's aflre."
He moved quickly towards the
mouth OF the tunnel. The dog gave
joyful bark, and led the way. Blake
reached the open air. and Houndered
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
n 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