"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted June 29, 2019
Ever curious about this animal he strode to where Deputy Cory was and knelt next to he imprint, noting the size. "Damn!" He exclaimed, then, "Excuse the language Deputy. Large print, should be easy to follow."
This would be something different, hunting for food, or hunting for troupe movements was one thing, hunting a killer beast was a completely different challenge. Armed men were certainly one thing, as he had faced them in battle and survived, however, this animal would be fearless and far more dangerous than a company of Confederate infantry, and much harder to subdue. "I suggest we proceed with caution."
Posted July 2, 2019
Hannah had reservations about just the two of them tracking the beast down. It was a huge animal that seemingly had no fear of humans. Of course, it was just an animal and that meant that it could be killed.
"Absolute caution," Hannah agreed and started forward, walking just beside the tracks.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted July 8, 2019
He smiled wide, "Yes Ma'am! Absolute caution, and I for one would not be any to eager to follow these tracks into the treeline." He mused. "Where does it seem he'd be heading? Anywhere people are?" The thought of being in the trees with that bear reminded him of the cornfields near Antietam Creek. A memory he'd as soon forget.
"Best proceed slowly then." He added.
Posted July 10, 2019
Hannah nodded her agreement, "No, we need to stop at the treeline. The tracks appear to be heading west, means he'll cross the boundary onto Lost Lake Ranch." She shook her head, "I cannot really say that he is looking for people. He just seems opportunistic and totally unafraid of us. If he's the same bear that escaped from that circus all those years ago, he's really old. More like he's just hunting livestock...easy prey."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted July 11, 2019
Why he would find humor in her statement baffled him, but he could not stifle the laugh, then he stated bluntly, "He's out for whatever gets in his way, man or beast. If he's hungry, he'll eat whatever he kills, otherwise, he moves o to the next victim." He paused. "Please excuse the laughter, it just struck me funny that we're trying to figure what a grizzly's about." He shook his head, "Lead on, Hannah."
Posted July 19, 2019
Hannah knew it was no laughing matter. However, she also chuckled. "You're right. I think we're attributing more intelligence to this critter than he warrants." She stopped a few yards from the tree line. "On over that way is Lost Lake Ranch. Tracks lead straight into the treeline. I think it's time to gather up Addy and the Doc and head back for town. I can ride up to the ranch house, check in with Shade and see if they are having bear troubles."
There was also a good chance that Hannah would catch some of the riders or family from the Thornton place in town. If she did, it would be a good opportunity to find out what they were planning.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted July 19, 2019
"I believe you're right Deputy, time to assemble the troops for this hunt," Speed observed. "This critter may not be as smart as we've been thinking, but he is wily, and I'd say, unless he's really hungry, cautious. That makes he hard to find and dangerous."
He scanned the tracks, then knelt down for a closer look. The animal was on four legs and moving to reach the cover of the trees. He didn't pretend to know why, but he was in a hurry for whatever reason and he doubted his acceleration had anything to do with them, though he may have come back for the carcass. And just by chance, they may have startled him long before they would have seen him.
"I don't like this one bit. Best we light a shuck outta here." Was his advise.
Posted July 20, 2019
Hannah nodded her agreement and turned to make her way back to the horses and wagon. It was best to call it quits for now. She knew Addy could take care of herself. However, neither Hannah or Addy had the firepower to make much of a dent in a bear the size of Ole Satan. On top of that, she had no idea how good the doctor was with a gun. It did not make sense going up against an enraged grizzly under these circumstances.
As they reached the wagon, Hannah called out, "We tracked the bear to the treeline. Didn't make sense to go any further. You two about ready to head back for town?"
Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted July 21, 2019
By the time the pair returned, Addy was more than ready to put an end to her 'alone time' with the doctor, and she was pretty sure he was feeling the same way. They were opposite souls from different worlds, and she was pretty sure he felt the same...not that there was any animosity, but after the first few minutes they had little in common, and she sensed that the doctor thought her a bumkin.
For his part, Jonah wasn't quite sure what to make of the stage driver, and suspected that she had his number, and he was grateful as well when the others returned.
"Well, leastways we got an idea where he is," Addy commented with a nod, "we can get more folks, warn th' local tribes, then come back an' finish this."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted July 21, 2019
"Not a bad idea, warning the tribes and the local small spreads as well." Speed agreed. "It appears t\o me this beast is just killing to kill, man or animal, makes no difference."
He looked back over his shoulder studying the treeline for a long moment, half wondering if the bear was watching them as well. "Probably ought to head on back, get the word out and some help, right Hannah?"