io6 WILD BROTHER 



and regain her health and strength, her prospect 

 of living to see the summer was extremely un- 

 certain. 



In spite of these unfavorable predictions, she 

 uttered never a word of complaint, nor did she ask, 

 or in any way suggest, that we come to her as- 

 sistance. However, we were able to send from our 

 camp a number of things that added to the com- 

 fort of the Weldons. 



Shortly after our return from Maine, I told the 

 story of the bear before an audience of influential 

 men in Boston. I illustrated it with stereopticon 

 slides, and showed many of the pictures which ap- 

 pear in this book. The effect was both surprising 

 and gratifying ; for without the slightest intimation 

 on my part that any material help for the family 

 would be welcome, a substantial sum of money 

 was contributed by the club members who were 

 present. As a matter of fact, arrangements had 

 already been made for the immediate relief of the 

 Weldons. 



The better to show the sincere and genuine qual- 

 ities of these faithful people, I will bring into my 

 story a number of letters which from time to time 

 they have sent me and which will give mute though 

 convincing evidence of the sterling, ingenuous char- 

 acter of the family. The first of these letters is 

 dated February 28, 1904, and reads as follows : 



