He scanned
every part of the prairie and mountain that was in his field of
vision, but could detect nothing alarming.
He supposed the parting admonition of Baldy was merely a general
warning, such as a cautious person gives to one whom he has reason to
fear is somewhat careless in his conduct.
It therefore required little self-argument upon his part after putting
his man in proper 'condition,' to start off on a ramble up the
mountain side. It was not his intention to remain more than an hour or
so, unless he came across some game. He had a goodly quantity of
ammunition, and was careful that his rifle was loaded, so as not to be
taken unawares by any emergency.
Although Johnny Brainerd was afflicted with misshapen form, yet he was
very quick and active upon his feet, and bounded along over the rocks,
and across the chasms like a deer, with such a buoyancy of spirits
that he forgot danger.
However, he had gone but a short distance, when he was startled by a
low fierce growl, and turning his head, saw to his horror, that he had
nearly run against a colossal animal, which he at once recognized as
the dreaded grizzly bear.
Such a meeting would have startled an experienced hunter, and it was
therefore with no steady nerve that he hastily brought his piece to
his shoulder and fired.
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