was answered. Grasping a lower limb he swung his body up into the
first tier of branches just as passing Bruin brushed against one of
his legs. Bears climb trees and Kit Carson was not ignorant of the
fact. Instantly drawing his keen-edged hunting knife, he cut away for
dear life at a thick short branch. The knife and his energy conquered
the cutting just as Messrs. Bruin had gathered themselves up for an
ascent, a proceeding on their part to which Mr. Carson would not give
assent. Mr. Carson was well acquainted with the Messrs. Bruin's pride
in, and extreme consideration for, their noses. A few sharp raps made
with the severed branch upon the noses of the ascending bears, while
they fairly made them to howl with pain and rage, caused them hastily
to beat a retreat. This scene of ascending, getting their noses
tickled and again descending howling with pain and rage now kept
Mr. Carson and Messrs. Bruin actively busy for some time. The huge
monsters and monarchs of the mountains were determined not to give it
up so. Such a full and fair chase and to be beaten by a simple
white man on their own domain! This evidently galled their sensitive
natures. It is true the roaring of the bears in his rear had
stimulated Mr. Carson in the race, so much so, that he undoubtedly
ran at the top of his speed; and, being naturally, as well as by long
practice, very fleet of foot, he had managed to outstrip his pursuers
in the race. It is true he had made short work of climbing the tree
and here again had very innocently beaten the bears at their own game
and one in which they took great pride. It is more than probable that
the bears were in too good condition to run well. Had it been early
spring time they would doubtless have been much lower in flesh. That
was their own fault too; they should have known that racing time
cannot be made on high condition. After leaving their hibernating
quarters they should have been less given to a sumptuous habit at the
table.