CHAPTER XX 

 WATCHING FOR BRUIN 



IN the ascent of the Upper Bear Eiver, as far as the 

 first camp, the bear signs were to be seen upon every 

 sandy marge of the river. Some were old, but many 

 were so fresh, and particularly those of one big grizzly, 

 that we were keyed up to the highest point of expec- 

 tation. 



In rounding one sharp turn in the stream we came 

 suddenly upon a flock of thirty wild geese feeding on 

 some tall green grass. Although we had a .22 rifle 

 and two 45-90's, we did not shoot, as we were in 

 search of bear and not of geese, and the shooting 

 would undoubtedly alarm the bears if within hearing. 

 One old gander among the geese gave the note of 

 alarm, and, with much honking, they were soon away 

 up in the air and off for pastures new. 



We spent a night at the first camp and heard noth- 

 ing and saw nothing of game of any kind. In sight of 

 the door, and seemingly but a short distance away, 

 were too great snow-capped mountains. We were told 

 that although " so near they Avere yet so far," as, be- 

 fore the summit could be reached, twelve miles would 

 have to be covered. 



