The Monticellonian., 1906-12-20

T LICK creek, Tn halls couh-
 ty. Mo, were happy and eager 10 enjoy themselves. The coun. try was sparsely settled, and there was little to be had that was good to eat or drink nearer than the town. of Florida, on Salt river, where Squire Clemens. the father of Mark Twain, kept a store.
 They danced all night under the hospitable roof where sat old Uncle Rhuebin Reddish, Aunt Lou extend ing them a warm welcome; then they went home with Rube Puryis to eat bear meat, and from there to Uncle Harry's and Aunt Edy's. where veni. son was broillng and bee gums had been robbed.
 Christmas eve day was bright and pretty. The sun broke through a rift of clouds and the revelers were fairly intoxicated with joy. They intended to spend the night and Christmas day at the Widow Mackelroy's, where there was plenty of room and an abun. dance of good things to eat and drink
 The Widow Mackelroy was with the crowd. She had left Uncle Ned and Aunt Polly to look after her house. telling them that If they went away to close tife doors The faithful old servants were not liable to go farther than some cabins occupied by colored people. and the widow knew that they would answer the summons of the ranch bell. Though 1t was Christmas time she never dreamed that the negroes would leave the place,
 Old Ned and Aunt Polly did leave the house and a big black bear must havo been watching them when they walked away. He had doubtless scent cd the odor of a Christmas feast II was easy for brHin te smash one ef the kitchen windows and enter the apartment unmolested. After feasting upon such things as had not been se- curely hidden away. the bear probably prowled through the house until his curiosity was satisfied. and then, find. ing dark corner under the stairway in the hall. he laid down and closed his eyes to pleasant dreams.
 This audacity was the result ot careless training on the part Of one James Irwin. an old bachelor Of tho vicinity. who had made a pet of this same bear. Bolivar, as the bear Was called. frequently answered the call of the wild. In his youth Bolivar was an interesting pet. He was capable Of performing many tricks. and he was an accomplished wrestler
 The crowd of Christmas ramblers reached the Widow Maekelroy's house about dark on Christmas eve. The lively young widow led the way to unlock doors. and the boys and girls followed. snowballing and singing Christmas carols.
 The widow was in the act of making some interesting discoveries in the Kitchen, and dozen couples of dancers were moving over the parlor floor in harmony with music that was loud and fast, when shrieks and screams echoed through the rooms. and those who were able to command their senses saw a monster black bear entering the parlor on his hind feet and swinging his forelegs invitingly. as if seeking partner for waltz. The ballroom instantly presented a scene of the widest excitement. Boys and girls who were near windows lost no time in making their escape. The bear cut of the retreat of consider able crowd and hemmed them in cor ner of the room. Bolivar praneed in front of these, licking froth from his red lips and glaring into the faces of the screaming girls as if he were try ing to select dainty one for his Christmas supper. George Ely. 8 young man who was proud of his strength and his ability to hit hard blows. ran forward and struck the bear on the side of the head Bolivar shook his eear as if he were tiekled, and. turning about, he seized the amazed young man with his powerful