Rocky Mountain Sam — page 173: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

164 ~ ROCKY MOUNTAIN SAM. | cided to.send for assistance to Fort Benton by means of the balloon. In accordance with the decision the air-ship was afloat at an early hour the following morning. It sailed over the battle-field of the preceding day, and shortly afterward over the heads of their comrades, who had already struck their camp and were pursuing their journey northward. They were so far below them that no attempt was made toward communicating with them. «With this wind we ought to make Fort Benton in four hours at the most,” said the professor, who had entirely re- covered his good nature. ‘‘After we have communicated with the fort we will then pay a visit to the general’s.” The general’s?” echoed Sam. “Yes; the general, as they call him, is an eccentric character who has a large farm about six miles from Fort Benton.” “T know very well who he is—I’ve been there more than once with Big Horn,” said Sam, impatiently; ‘‘but what do we want to go there now for?” <T'o borrow some of his noted blood-hounds,” was the cheerful reply. ‘‘He is said to have three or four dozen of avery excellent breed. If we can induce him to lend us ten or fifteen, why I think we can make a sensation among the noble but untutored savages in our next difficulty; don't you?” | ‘‘Rayther,” said Sam. ‘‘Why, I sawsome Siberian blood- hounds when I was there which he kept on purpose for huntin’ panthers and elk with that were strong and savage enough to tear the haunch of a grizzly bear in five min- utes.” ““Yes,” said the professor, ‘‘easily but it is needless for me tosay that we don’t want ’em for the purpose of hunting bears or panthers, my son.” ‘But how in the name of wonder will ye carry such bastes in the car?” cried Teddy, somewhat aghast at the prospect. ‘‘Oh, we can muzzle them before shipping them; besides, nee are said to be as playful as kittens toward those they l fe cn “ ‘““Yis, bedad; but how d’ye know whither they’re going to like you or not?” | Oy com books.com x |