The Spanish Fork press. [volume] (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 1906-09-20
THE MAN AND THE GRIZZLY.
By JOHN P. MURPHY.

Inc parade was over at last and
the performers filed into the big tent,
glad to escape from the drizzling
rain that had been falling all the fore.
noon.
Sidonia was not in her usual lively
mood, and she hardly knew whether
to ascribe 1t to the weather or to
the baleful glare which she fancied
she detected in the eyes of Bruin, the
big grizzly. Her anxiety with regard
to the ill-humor of the bear was ex.
planned by the fact that Francesca,
the gay and fascinating animal tanner,
telligence at the close of each per-
Torrance; and Francesca had been
paying considerable attention to
Sidonia of late--so much that Otto,
the strong man, once foremost in her
affections, had been relegated almost
entirely to the background.
She sought her lover at the first OPP
portunity and informed him of her
fears.
Il wish you would take extra pre-
cautions when you enter Bruins cage
this afternoon she said. Il never
saw him look so ugly before, and /
fear that he may do You an injury"
What foolish notion has taken
possession of you now?" he playfully
inquired. 'Bruin is as gentle as a
kitten and has never been known to
harm anyone"
But he looks different today" she
persisted. His eyes have red glare
in them that l never noticed there
before
st is only because of the weather
and the spectators" he replied, sooth
ingly This Is holiday, and the
miners are noisier and more curious
than the average crowd He will be
all right when | am in the cage"
At this moment the gigantic Otto
went by them on his way to the ring
and as he passed the girl look OF
reproach showed in his blue eyes. He
entirely ignored her companion.
The latter glanced after him and
shrugged his shoulders disdainfully
I'D rather face Bruin at any time
than that fellow" he said with 6
grimace. HE is so furiously jealous
of me that l would not trust myself
in his power for a single instant"
You wrong HIM" she cried, hel
dark eyes flashing otto is as brave
and noble as he is strong"
He regarded her fixedly for a mo
ment and seemed to be on the poin
of replying angrily, but at that in
| slant the bugle sounded for Sidonia's
appearance in the main tent. With {
wave of her hand in his direction, she
| leaped on her horse and galloped into
| the ring.
The tumultuous applause of the
| crowd drove all forebodings from he
| mind and never did she ride more
daringly. Cheer after cheer attended
her performance and she was like ;
| pleased child when she returned t.
the dressing tent. 1t was not unit
| she saw the huge cage being hau]et
| into the ring that her misgivings re
turned and she fastened to take VI
position where she could observ,
| everything that took place.
The audience was largely compose,
| of rough miners from the coal fields
and when the cage was run in the.
| rushed from their seats and swarmet
around it. 1t was the last act on tn
| program, and as the manager fearet
that there would be trouble if he triet
to drive them back. he decided not t,
interfere.
So densely were they packed tina
Francesca experienced considerable
difficulty in forcing his way through
them. The crowding of the peopl
seemed to have bad effect upol
iously when the trainer entered. Tn
latter was perfectly cool and starte
toward him whip in hand, but hi
shoes, muddy from the trample
ring, proved his undoing. At the frs
step he slipped and fell heavily to tn
floor.
The sight of the trainer helpless b'
fore him aroused all the ferocity c
the bears nature, and with a furiou
growl he rushed at the PROSTATE MAJ
But francesca was accustomed
danger and he did not lose his pre-
ence of mind for an instant. Agile a
cat, he was upon his feet before tn
rushing fury reached him, and slasl
ing fiercely with his whip, he dodge
swiftly about the ring before HI
clumsy antagonist 1t was plail
however that 1t would be only ma
ter of time until he was exhauste
and his only hope lay in the assis
auts who were swarming to his re
cue.
A dozen men armed with long pole