At last the bear stopped within eight feet of the hunter, and bear-like, stood up. Now the rifle was leveled and it seemed to me it would never go, but it did. The big bullet broke the bear’s neck, and he fell down dead at the hunter’s feet.
CHAPTER XVII.
SMITH, ABBOTT AND CREEDE—AGREED THEY ABANDON THE HOLE.
IN 1886 at Monarch, George L. Smith, Charles H. Abbott and N. C. Creede formed a company for prospecting purposes. Smith and Abbott were to furnish the funds, while Creede did the searching. This company lasted for nearly four years, during which time a number of locations were made, some of which they could have sold at a good profit; but they held on for more money, always spending liberally for the development of their property.
NO. 378 INTERIOR OF LAST CHANCE MINE BOARDING HOUSE
CREEDE COLO. MAR. 24, 1893
Just before the little company went to pieces, Smith and Abbott went over in the mountains to where Creede with two miners had worked all winter, on Spring Creek. After making a thorough examination of the prospects, it was agreed that they should abandon the hole and break up the partnership. This action was not taken because of any disagreement; but the men who were putting up the money were discouraged.
Just before visiting the property, Smith and Abbott received a letter from Creede, in which he said:
“I notice by the general tone of your letters lately, that you are both becoming discouraged with my hard luck. I assure you that I am doing the best I can. Take new courage, stay with me a little longer, and I shall find the greatest silver mine in America. I feel it in my bones.”
But they had tried so long and spent so much money, that they had become discouraged.