Durango semi-weekly herald., 1904-04-25

POLAR BEAR

DIR. Leitz and I with Lucas, Hun
earian, VINO spoke Russian. and three
Russians were left with 400 dogs and
half ship load of supplies on Alger
island. DR.. Leitz was the first gov
ernor of the island, and | was his
prime minister Alger island, named
by Mr.. Baldwin, is one of the group
of islands known as Franz Joseph
Land.
The dogs had been crowded aboard
ship. and the ship itself was overload
ed, so a good part OF the cargo was
unloaded on the beach with nearly all
the livestock. and we were left in
charge while the ship made fruitless
efforts at gaining ground toward the
north
II the ship succeeded in breaking
through the ice and made any sub
stantial gain to the north. we under
stood she would anchor and establish
winter quarters without risking re
turn trip for us. Our orders were to
wait quietly on The island until we
heard from Mr.. Baldwin which might
not happen until the ice froze solid
in the fall. AS matter of fact, how
ever the ship was not able 10 get any
distance northward. and returned to
Aleer island after about three weeks
Aboard ship we had not been allow
ed to shoot any bears. our orders be-
ing to report the sight of bear to
Mr. Baldwin, who would do the shoot
ing himself Also we had been com
PEELED to surrender any fire arms in
our possession to Mr. Baldwin. and
could only have the use of gun by
his permission. On the island, how
ever, fire arms were left and we were
free TO kill all the game we could. Is
1t to be wondered then, that we re-
ioiced in the dissimilarty of our com
mandant from the poor. in that he
could not be always with us?
The time was early in September.
and the days were long, the night be-
ing of only "A few hours duration. We
kept watch all night in accordance
with orders. dividing the watch into
three shifts, all taking alternate turns
morning by a rustling in the cabin
Becoming more awake was aware of
some one moving about and disturb
ing the rifle case. Raising ON my ell
bow inquired. who's there"
"Michile,' answered Russian
voice-"Bear"
jumped up from my blankets and
into my trousers, and slipped on a
big pair of wooden boots and reused
DIR. Lietz as | secured my rifle. | was
outside the cabin In very few min
ntes, and saw the bear about hun
dred yards away. sitting on his
launches devourinG some Walrus meat
we had left on the beach
pr. Lietz soon came running out.
clad in his underwear, pair of wood
on boots and very cheerful smile.
grasping rife in his hand, tossing
his head merrily to keep his long cur
ly locks ont of his eyes.
Together we approached his majesty
the bear, who plainly saw MS coming,
but was 10th to leave his breakfast
When we had approached to within
about 80 yards. bruin got up with a
srowl, and started along the beach,
uneasy at our appearance, scarcely
afraid, yet doubtful.
You shoot, Vinyard: I've already
killed my bear" so ordered my super
ior. and ! needed no second bidding.
aimed at the left shoulder and
the bullet shattered the bone. The
bear. in mortal agony. turned for the
water. and plunged into the sea hoping
to escape by swimming. AS he came
struggling TO the surface after a short
dive, we both shot again, both bullets
hitting the mark as we had run down
10 the beach and were close to him.
Our shots brought an immediate end
TO his struggles. and the dead body
hoated on The surface.
strong off-shore wind was blow
ing and the bear. while close in shore.
when killed, soon felt the strength of
The wind and tide, and commenced to
drift out, This matter was outside of
our calculations and for few minutes
We were up against 1t. We had only
heavy whale boat. which the ships
crew had pulled high and dry up on
the beach, and till then we had had
no occasion to use H. Hastily running
back 10 the cabin we got into our