Year: 1878




and enduring. Still he had some
thing yet to live for, and he 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 SanFrancisco,
where he could secure the advantages
of education for his little one.


For some time the neighbors OF
Dick, as well as himself, had been
much annoyed by theft. Several
lambs and sheep had been killed, and
poultry in large quantities stolen.
There was difference OF opinion
with regard to these depredations.
Some said they were committed by
Indians, others by wolves, and other
by bears. 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 given. A light snow had fallen
during the night. and tracks were dis
covered. A large grizzly bear was
the thief and despoiler, and he must
be hunted down at once. 1t was not
supposed that they would be obliged
to 60 far to find the animal, and so
Dick seized his rifle and joined the
party, leaving his child still in bed.


The tracks were fresh, and a dozen
excited men were soon on the trail.
In short time they were on the
monster; but each man paused, turn
ing their eyes toward Dick, and wait
ing for him to speak. The bear was
standing near the cabin door Of Bar
ron, gazing at the child who was
seated in the doorway. watching the
movements Of the animal with evil
dent curiosity, but without exhibit.
ing any signs Of fear.


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


"Men, can you use your rifles with
steady hands?"


Yes" replied several.


"Then raise them and have them
ready. BE sure your aim is good,
and that every bullet would be buried
in the body OF the beast in case Of
firing. But hold your shots until I
give the word"


Instantly every rifle was raised,
Dick moved carefully around
toward tne back OF the cabin. 1t was
his intention to enter the window,
seize his little one, draw her back,
and closing the door. save her. But
now the animal began to utter deep
growls, and advance slowly toward
Eva. The father saw this. and ex-
claimed:


my darling. get up, go into the
house, and close the door,"


The child looked up, smiled, and
then arose. attempting to do the bid
ding of the father; but the monster
advanced with fearful howl and as
the door was closed against him, he
struck it with one OF his huge paws,
shattering it into splinters.


"I feared this. Fire; but be care
full and not injure my child!" cried
the father.


He discharged his own piece, and
at the same time q dozen other rifles
rang out, The bear gave a most
fearful howl, turned upon his enc
mics, glaring upon them with eyes OF
fire, and seemed just on the point OF
springing upon them. Suddenly,
however, the beast appeared to change
his mind. Turning quickly around.
the monster entered tho cabin. A
shrek was instantly heard. and the
father rushed forward, knife in hand,
to save his darling. But he was too
late, for with bound, the beast had
dashed through the window, holding
Eva in his teeth.


OF he ran with all his speed to-
ward the highest mountain peak,
while the cries OF the little one came
back to the ears OF the half frantic
father.


And now the monster began its as
cent, bearing its precious burden.
Onward it went and upward. climb
ing forward, as rocks towering above
rocks arose to obstruct his pathway.
All this time 1t kept up its fearful
bowling. and for time the walls of
the child were heard; but they be-
came fainter and fainter, until the
sound could no longer be distin-
guished. At length it disappeared
from view behind a jutting ledge.


When the intention of the animal
was first made apparent, a kind OF
terror seized upon every heart. and a
cry OF agony burst from every lip.
And well might they have shuddered;
for they now knew full well that the
ferocious animal was a she-bear, and
that she was carrying the child to her
eyrie den as food for her cubs.


For time the father had stood
with face blanched with despair, and
with form trembling like the Drowned
leaves which still clung to the trees
around him. But that weakness was
only momentary, for he became again
the invincible father; and, with the
speed Of an antelope, he rushed fol