entangled. The giant bear is tightly bound.

Donna Juanita, her lord by her side, laughs at the dreaded "oso."
She enjoys the antics of the horsemen. They sport with their
enemy. After the fun ends, Bruin receives a gunshot. Choice cuts
are added to the camp menu.

The bear, panther, and rattlesnake are the only dangers of the
Californian woods.

Days of travel bring the hills of Mariposa into view. Here the
monarchs of the forest rise in air; their wild harps are swept by
the cool breezes of the Sierras. Tall, stately redwoods, swathed
in rich, soft, fibrous bark, tower to the skies. Brave oaks spread
their arms to shelter the doe and her fawns. The madrona, with
greenest leaf and pungent berry, stands here. Hazels, willows,
and cottonwoods follow the water. Bald knolls are studded with
manzanita, its red berry in harvest now. Sturdy groves of wild
plum adorn the hillsides. Grouse and squirrel enjoy their annual
feast.

The journey is over. When the train winds around a sweeping range,
Don Miguel nears his wife. The San Joaquin is studded with graceful
clumps of evergreen. In its bosom a lake shines like a diamond.
The Don uncovers smilingly. "Mi querida, there lies your home,
Lagunitas," he murmurs.

Sweet Juanita's eyes beam on her husband. She says softly, "How
beautiful!"