Year: 1869

tunate. Together with other neigh
bors Dick had removed from Central
Colorado to the western Sierra Neva-
da mountains. His home was in a
wildly romantic and beautiful spot,
and fortune seemed to smile upon
him, so far as his pecuniary matters
were concerned for his lands yield
ed well in the summer, and the mines
gave fair yield of the "yellow dross"
in the colder months.


But death came to the family of
Dick. The first stroke fell upon his
eldest boy, lad of ten years. The
little fellow was fond of hunting; and
with his rife, he would often venture
to considerable distance from home,
and sometimes was very successful in
bringing down small game.


But one day he was absent much
beyond his usual time, and a search
discovered his mangled remains lying
at the bottom of ledge of rocks. He
had evidently fallen from above, and
thus met a sudden and cruel death.


The blow fell heavily upon Dick
and his wife But the man bore up
bravely under his grief, while the wo-
man gave way to melancholy.


Not long after, a second child-a
little girl Of five years-sickened and
died. 1t now appeared as if Mrs.
Barron would 60 mad; and for a
time her agony was terrible to behold.
But this gradually subsiding, a short
time after she followed her little one,
leaving still another child-daughter
of three years-to the care of a Strick-
ell father.


The grief of Dick was not of the
explosive character, but it was deep
and enduring. Still he had something
yet to live for, and went to work like
a brave man to provide for his little
Eva.


Winter had set in, and Dick had
come to the conclusion to make as
much as possible in the mines before
spring, and then to sell his property
and go to San Francisco, where he
could secure the advantages Of educa-
ton for his little one.


For some time the neighbors of
Dick, as well as himself, had been
much annoyed by theft. Several sheep
and lambs had been killed, and poul
try in large quantities stolen.


There was a difference of opinion
with regard to these depredations
Some said they were committed by
Indians, others by wolves and still
others said that bears had been around
But as yet no snow had fallen; and
as the ground was frozen very hard
no tracks could be seen.


One morning, however, the alarm
was gwen. A light snow had faller
during the night. and tracks were
discovered. A large grizzly bear was
the thief and despoiler, and he must
be hunted down at once.


1t was first supposed that they
would be obliged to 90 far to fine
the animal, and so Dick seized his
rifle and joined the party, leaving hi,
child still in bed.


The track was fresh, and a dozel
excited men were soon OH the trail
In short time they were on the mon
ster; but each man paused, turning
their eyes towards Dick and waiteC
Tor him to speak. The bear was stand
ing near the cabin door of Barron
gazing at the child. who was seate(
i'll the doorway watching the move
ments of the animal with evident Gu
riosity, but without exhibiting an,
signs of fear.


Dick felt his heart sink within hin
as he saw this; but his weakness
passed away in an instant, and with
out moving his eyes from the bear, h
asked:


Men, can you use your rifles wit
steady hands ?''


Yes" replied several.


"Then raise them aud have then
ready. Be sure your aim is gooC
and that every bullet will be burie
in the body of the beast in case of fl
ing. But hold your shots until Civ
the word"


instantly every rife was raised.
Dick moved carefully around tOwar
/ the back of the cabin. 1t was his il
tention to enter the window, seize th
little one, draw her back, and by clo
ing the door save her.


/ But now the animal began to ute
? deep growls, and advance slowly t.
ward Eva. The father saw this an


exclaimed:


"My darling, get up, go into tt
house and close the door,"


The child looked up, smiled, the
0 arose to do the bidding Of her fathe
e But the monster advanced with
: fearful howl, and as the door close


against him, he struck it with one 0
o his huge paws, SCATTERING it into spill
e ters.
: Il feared this. Fire, but be car
> full not to iDjure my child" cried tt


father.


! He discharged his own piece, al
i at the same time a dozen rifles raj
i out.


The bear gave most fearful how
- and turning upon his enemies glare
n at them with eyes of fire, and seem,
: on the point of springing among thel


Suddenly, however, the bear seel
y ed to change his mind. Turning quic
: ly around, the monster entered t


cabin. A shrek was instantly hear


and the father rushed forward, KIN
y in hand, to save his darling. But


was to late, for with bouad the be
is dashed through the window, holdi
e, Eva in his teeth. s
m Off he ran with all his speed
as ward the highest mountain peak, VIII
re | I'M, cries of tho EttIa ono came ha