JUST UP THE ROAD - HISTORY OF ELKMONT, PART 9

The bear was gone but Ma and Herman weren't quick to move.  They sat there; thinking about what could have happened.  A short time later they both heard the sound of a gun shot coming from down in the bottom. A minute or so later they heard the second shot. Herman knew then Pa had killed something cause that second shot was to finish him off. Ma had finally collected herself. she realized the bear left their supper alone. She picked up the hind quarter, wiped it off and hung it back up in the cabin. Herman stayed around the cabin with Ma until Pa and Andrew arrived. They had killed a monster elk.

Herman couldn’t wait to tell Pa and Brother what him and Ma experienced. Pa got excited at the possibility of killing a bear so he took off with his loaded musket. If he could find and kill it, they would have some much needed bear grease for cooking and other things. Bear would be good eating too. Levi didn't go far until he ran up on the bear. The bear was still in a bad mood but couldn’t get around very well. One shot finished him off and Levis went back to camp to get Old Bully and drag the bear home. When Old Bully got close to that bear, Levi knew things might get out of hand . Bully went into the attack mode. He whirled around and about tenderized the bear with his hind feet before Levi could settle him down.

Old Bully reluctantly dragged the bear down the hill to the cabin. They strung up their game by the hind legs removing the entrails and skinned them out. Levi fed and watered Old Bully and tied him out next to the carcass. He was their guard for the night. They would let the meat chill out over night before cutting it up and salted it down. They washed up in the branch and carried a jug of water from the spring to the cabin. everyone set down for a great meal.

Silence came over everyone when Pa begin to offer thanks . "Lord, we all know you been watching over us and I want to thank you for your protection . We thank you for this land where we live and the abundance you provide for us. We pray that you will continue to guide us thru this life. I thank you for the joy we have with each other. Bless this food and always remind us to give you the thanks for everything you give us. Continue to watch over Gretchen, Herman and Andrew. Oh yes, thank you for "Old Bully" and keep him safe too. AMEN"

GARY COMPTON