Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1914-05-01

@N y to the ill-humor of
of the bear was
explained by the fact that francesca,
the gay and fascinating animal
tanner, was billed to exhibit the brute's
| intelligence 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 op.
portunity and informed him of her
fears.
Il wish you would take extra pre-
cautions when you enter Bruins Gags
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.
kitten and has never been known tC
harm any one"
The audience was largely composed
of rough miners from the coal fields,
and when the bear cage was run in
they rushed from their seats and
swarmed around it.
So densely were they packed that
Francesca experienced considerable
difficulty in forcing his way through
them. The crowding 81 the people
seemed to have G bad effect upon
Bruins temper, and he growled
viciously when the trainer entered.
The latter started toward him whip in
hand At the first step he slipped and
fell to the floor.
The sight of the trainer helpless be
fore him aroused all the ferocity OF
the bears nature, and with furious
growl he rushed at the PROSTATE man.
cry of dismay rang from Sidonia's
lips. In an agony of grief she turned
to the faithful Otto, who was stand
ing few PAGES away.
otto, save himi" she cried.
And why should II" was the fierce
reply. HE is my enemy. Had he
not come between us with his treach-
cry and deceit you would love me
still"
"Otto!" she pleaded, sinking to her
knees while the tears streamed down /
her face, save him for my sake.
Quick or it will be too late"
Tearing a club from the hands OF
one of the assistants, he plunged into |
the crowd like an avalanche. He was
not a moment too soon. Francesca /
was down and the bear was tearing !
furiously at his shoulder when he /
flung himself between them.
And now commenced q mighty /
over the body of the uncon-
scIous man. The bears fury waq
doubled at finding himself confronted
by an opponent. who, instead of dodg-
ing and running away, stood up and
buffeted him with awful blows that
and blinded him.
At length when he had almost
gained the door and escape seemed
probable, the trainer recovered his
senses and dragged himself weakly to
his feet He bestowed a single glance
upon the struggling pair before him;
then he turned and slipping from the
cage slammed the door behind him.
The door was equipped with spring
lock and the man who had risked his
life to save him was q prisoner with
the bear.
Sidonias shrek rang above the
cries of the people, and she was about
to close her eyes to the awful spec
tacle. when suddenly long pole was
thrust between the bear and his vic
tim; then another and another, and
with a gasp of relief she realized that
the long delayed help had arrived at
last
Then the face Of francesca ap-
peared- in the crowd in front of her;
a face that was bloody from the rough
handling Of angry men. But she gave
no sign OF recognition.
Then the face Of Otto appeared;
bloody Also but with wounds received
in another's defense. Their eyes met
and in hers was look that asked LOT.
giveness. His answering look TOTO
her that it was granted.
Copyright 1914. by Daily story Pub. Coz