THE RUFFED GROUSE. 171 



to run a race with 'em. Not knowing what else to do, 

 I gave a yell that was loud enough to knock down some 

 trees. That fetched 'em, for they ran past me as fast 

 as a yaller dog with a tin pan tied to his tail. They 

 were awfully skeered, I tell you, for they didn't even 

 stop to say good-night. I was mighty glad when they got 

 out of sight, for my courage was beginning to leave me. 

 As soon as the noise of their footfalls died away, I went 

 to my cabin and was soon fast asleep. I was up before 

 daylight next morning, and being anxious to see if I had 

 hit the grizzlies, I seized my rifle, put a bottle in my 

 pocket, and went back to the carcass. On looking at the 

 ground I saw signs of blood, so I concluded that I had 

 done their hides some damage. I also noticed that the 

 footprints of one grizzly only were to be seen, though I 

 could almost swear I saw two gigantic fellows the night 

 before. After thinking over the matter I decided that 

 the juice had made me see double, and that made me 

 mad at myself, for I hate to be fooled that way. I was 

 so mad that I said to myself, ' Now, you old fool, you 

 must get that bear or you don't amount to shucks.' It 

 was very foolish to think that way, but I did, so 1 started 

 off on Ephraim's trail. It was very easy to follow that, 

 as blood was sprinkled over the leaves. In about half an 

 hour I entered a canyon, and the first thing I saw tliere 

 was old Ephraim, who was lying in some bushes. His 

 face was covered with blood, and his head must have 

 been mighty sore, for he shook it every lew moments. I 

 was very glad to meet him, but my feelings soon changed, 

 lor on lifting his head he saw me and charged me like a 

 mad bull. Not caring to become any better acquainted, 

 as 1 don't like the way a grizzly hugs, I turned tail and 

 ran for the top of the canyon as fast as 1 could. The 

 bear was more than a match for me in a race, however, 

 and he was soon so near that I thought I could feel his 

 burning breath. I was so pumped in a short time that I 



