The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1905-10-19

ened ana IL was WIN "i'N'
he succeeded in urging him near the
ravine. Finally it became necessary
TO dlsmount and tie the horse. rms
being accomplished, Jim unstrapped
his rifle and crept cautiously forward
among a sparse growth of young
mines. His plan was to shoot some
of the wolves, then dash for the
horse.
Suddenly he caught sight of a score
of big. gray timber wolves, viciously
essaying to hamstring an active young
COW. She was using her sharp hoofs
and horns with deadly effect; the bull
and the COW which had recently
rushed to the rescue were valiantly
assisting in the repulse of her tor
mentors. Yet the boy realized, as he
watched the gaunt, active wolves, that
the young COW, which was already
wounded, must soon succumb to her
assailants But as he raised his rifle
to fire at the leading wolf he per-
ceived some distance in the rear big
black bear. Having a special score to
settle with bruin, Jim sent a we'll
aimed shot in his direction, but by
some chance missed the vital spot,
inflicting a flesh wound which so in
furiated the bear that, unable to dis
cover other cause for his pain, he in
stantly fell upon the nearest wolf,
stretching it out lifeless at a single
blow. Advancing with rapid strides
into the midst of the pack, the bear
created a momentary CONSERVATION,
during which the cattle, quick to take
advantage of the opening, rushed rap
idly off toward the settlement. AS
they swept past Jim saw that the one
which had been first attacked was the
stray COW he was seeking.
Jim's first impulse was to mount his
horse and cover as best he could the
retreat OF the cattle. So, rifle in hand,
he ran swiftly toward where he had
tethered his horse. What was his
dismay to discover that his horse
had snapped its leash and was gallop-
ing rapidly of.
Whoa, Charley! Whoa!" called
the boy, frantically.
But the thoroughly frightened ami
NAL heard not; or, II 1t heard, utterly
failed to heed. And a moment later
the wolves, foiled by the bears fury,
surrounded the boy. There was no
time to reload his rife. The wolves
were upon him in furious gray wave.
AT best he could only club his rife
and strike the leader a stunning blow
across the eyes. Then, quick as a
flash, the boy leaped over the second
wolf and ran with all his might toward
small pine few yards away. Once
he stumbled, but rose, and, throwing
his rifle down, put forth his best
speed. Close upon him, almost snap
ping at his heels, followed the wolves
At last he reached the friendly tree
and with desperate output OF
strength drew himself up to low
hanging limb. None too soon was
this accomplished. for as he scrambled
toward the topmost branches one OF
the wolves leaped high from the
ground and tore off strip of his
coat
Finally Jim paused breathless and
tattered in the top of the tree. Below
at the base of the tree, the wolves
had collected en- masse. Though they
were snarling and swapping in a Zero
cious manner, and occasionally leap.
ing toward the limbs, the boy felt no
special uneasiness. They could not
climb. But as he looked down from
his perch he suddenly saw something
that sent a SILVER of fear to his heart.
The bear was shambling swiftly to.
ward the tree. Arrived among the
wolves, he began to cuff them out of
his way as though he were their mas
ter. Slowly. snarlingly, they retreat
ed before him till space was cleared.
Then Bruin began to do what Jim had
feared-climb the tree. With wonder
1ul swiftness and surety he mounted
toward the boy. while the wolves
stood on watching eagerly, their cruel
eyes agleam.
Jim mad tailed to bring his hunting
knife. So he was helpless before the
approaching brute.
Nearer, nearer climbed the hear
avoiding carefully the dead limbs in
his way. Evidently climbing was one
Of his specialties.
Finally he was within few feet OF
the cramped figure. The slender nine
was swaytng perilously, threatening
to dip earthward beneath the heavy
burden But the bear climbed on nm.
needing. his cunning little eyes fxed
upon his prey.
Suddenly he snapped at the bows
rect but ere he reached them lin
had drawn them closer up to his BODY
Then happened what seemed an earth.
quake, during which the bear lost his
oaianee and pitched headlong To the
ground, and every wolf disappeared n 9
II swept from the face of the earth
by mighty hand.
When Jim recovered his equilibrium
he was clinging tenaciously IN tho