The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-10-27
Grandfather and the Bear.
By Mary Wells

UnlCn SuDBeSteu Iuo tai0' DD'
net had left 1t lying forlornly on the
noor, whence 1t looked up with an e1-
uression so woe-begone, and withal so
ludicrous, that grandfather laughed
cutright as he stopped to pick up his
ursine majesty. At any rate, when'
uttle later, Sam and Bob demanded
atory. he settled himself comfortably
IA the big chair before the fireplace,
and with a twinkle in his eye, be-
8an:--
"When was q lad of fourteen, the
country wasn't as much settled as u
N now. Our nearest neighbor lived
mile and half away, and, in order to
reach his clearing, we had to follow
a winding road through the woods.
On either side the beaten path the un-
derbrush rose in thick profusion; and,
though there were various trails lead
ing in different directions, 1t was well
for one to keep closely to the main
road, since nothing was easier than
for the unwary or unacquainted TO
lose himself in the forest, where he
might wander until he was overcome
by exhaustion or hunger
"One fine spring day father had
been ploughing the clearing at the
right of our dwelling, and the rich
loam shone brightly under the warm
rays of the sun. The spirit of spring
was in the air. The birds sang in the
thickets, and the scent of blossoming
trees was everywhere. The bells
tinkled cheerfully as the COWS moved
along the hillside back of the house.
II was one of those days that make
one glad to be alive. Towards night,
however, it grew warmer, until the
heat became almost oppressive. l
suppose it was more noticeable, COM
ing at such an unusual time Of year.
"About six O'Clock father, finding
that he had to have for the next days
work a tool which he had lent to his
neighbor, Mr.. Flemming, sent me over
10 get 1t. My younger brother and
my sister begged to go with me; and
We set off through the woods, promis-
ing to return in good season. We lit
tie knew what was to befall us before
We reached home.
I'VE found the Flemmings glad to
see us. Mr.. Flemming inquired about
fhther's ploughing, and gave us var
ious items of news, for he had been
b the Cross Roads the day before.
Nc, a
knife which he had bought of ped
ler It was beautiful knife with
three blades and buckhorn handle.
1 can see it yet, and can yet feel the
envious pang that smote my soul. The
girls discussed with animation the
merits of their respective patchwork,
Mary Flemming expressing a prefer
ence for the log-cabin, and Sister Lucy
fAvoring the sunrise pattern. Mrs.
fiemming insisted on our trying some
nj her caraway cakes and currant
wine; though, to tell the truth, we
needed no urging, the merits of Mrs.
Elemming's caraway cookies and cur
Eant wine being well known.
"As | said before, the afternoon had
grown very sultry, and suddenly, as l
was slipping my second glass of cur
rant wine, clap! came reverberating
peal of thunder hurried to the door
% find the sky ominously black and
the clouds piled high in the west. AL.
ready a few big raindrops were falling
md the wind was rising.
1--WE must go right home! l ex.
claimed, turning to the children; but
even as l spoke, the storm was upon
us, and the rain fell in binding
Shest. hiding the woods.
"By the time it had slackened some
what 1t was already dark. The Flem
mings urged us to remain for the
night, but, afraid that mother would
worry, l declined. took the lighted
lantern which Mr.. Flemming made
ready; and with big umbrella in one
y hand, and the children on either side
started on the homeward journey.
~Thus fortified, we progressed with
cut mishap for the first half-mile. The
Sain fell fitfully, Lucy was vel
wrapped in Mary Flemming's water
proof, and the lantern gave cheerful
Light.
Unfortunately, the calm was o.
short duration. The wind quickened
and over our heads the branches
vrithed dismally. Vivid flashes O
lightning made the darkness of the
woods more awful The rain fell II
t9rents, and suddenly there came ,
1hrious gust The light Of the Lantern
AAed, fickered, glimmered family
then disappeared, leaving us in tota
darkness, relieved only now and theI
10 the glare OF the lightning
Lucy began to cry, and I consolet
Ar as we'll as / could, raising m.
vuace that It might be heard above th'
Gbqrm. Afraid Of losing our way, ",
,vilted Tor each new flash, making on
vay forward by Its gieam. still carry
~ the dflapidated umbrella and th,
~ ussless lantern It was slow work
~ W cheered ourselves with th'