320 The Wilderness Plunter. 



all his life on the plains and in the mountains, as a 

 hunter and Indian fighter ; and when he saw the trooper 

 about to rush into the thicket he called out to him not to 

 do so, warning him of the danger. But the man was a 

 very reckless fellow and he answered by jeering at the 

 old hunter for his over-caution in being afraid of a crip- 

 pled bear. California Joe made no further effort to dis- 

 suade him, remarking quietly : " Very well, sonny, go in ; 

 it's your own affair." Miller then leaped off the bank on 

 which they stood and strode into the thicket, holding his 

 rifle at the port. Hardly had he taken three steps when 

 the bear rose in front of him, roaring with rage and pain. 

 It was so close that the man had no chance to fire. Its 

 fore-arms hung useless and as it reared unsteadily on its 

 hind-legs, lunging forward at him, he seized it by the ears 

 and strove to hold it back. His strength was very great, 

 and he actually kept the huge head from his face and 

 braced himself so that he was not overthrown ; but the 

 bear twisted its muzzle from side to side, biting and tear- 

 ing the man's arms and shoulders. Another soldier 

 jumping down slew the beast with a single bullet, and 

 rescued his comrade ; but though alive he was too badly 

 hurt to recover and died after reaching the hospital. Buf- 

 falo Bill was given the bear-skin, and I believe has it 

 now. 



The instances in which hunters who have rashly fol- 

 lowed grislies into thick cover have been killed or severely 

 mauled might be multiplied indefinitely. I have myself 

 known of eight cases in which men have met their deaths 

 in this manner. 



