ELDORADO 125 



elated over being- so near my journey's end the goal 

 of my ambition — the mines of California. I was in 

 good health and spirits, and after all, what is more to 

 be desired — but not always appreciated — in the great 

 rush for gold or fame ? But the most important lessons 

 are often learned later in life. I had no use for a can- 

 teen that day, as we traveled up a wooded stream of 

 beautiful mountain water, crossing it many times. The 

 little loaring cascades often met with in shady places 

 made sweet music to the ear, after months of weary 

 travel over burning alkali plains and sandy deserts. 



At noon we emerged into an open space and left the 

 course of the babbling brook. It was a lovely spot for 

 our mid-day rest. The air was cool and delightfully 

 invigorating, with glimpses through the scattered pine? 

 of the valley we had left in the early morning. The 

 ascent had been gradual, a distance of six or seven 

 miles. After an hour's stop we pursued our upward 

 march. As we advanced the forest became more dense 

 and the trees larger and the traveling comparatively 

 good. 



As night approached and the shadows lengthened be- 

 hind us I began to look for a suitable place to pass the 

 night. Just at that time I happened to notice in the 

 dusty road a fresh track going in the direction we were 

 traveling, and, giving it closer inspection, I was satis- 

 fied that it was the track of a grizzly bear of an enor- 

 mous size. I confess to a little chill creeping up my 

 back. I had not yet become familiar with the habits 

 of bears of that particular species. However, I could 

 neither turn to the right or left, nor retreat. I had to 

 follow right after Mr. Bear, even if I should overtake 

 him. As it began to grow dusk we came to a small 



