Worthy of Riches Read Online Free Page A

the house, his cinnamon coat glistening in the sunlight and his huge paws padding the earth. Jean's eyes traveled to the door. It was open! The bear was already at the back of the house. He stopped and sniffed the ground. Stepping onto the porch, he swung his huge head back and forth, smelling the air.
    Jean felt as if she were drowning in horror. Lord, protect my baby!
    “Mama,” Laurel said from behind her.
    Jean jumped.
    “What's happening?”
    “The bear's on the back porch, and the door's open.”
    There was no time to think. Jean wrenched open the barn door, throwing it wide. “Hey! Bear! Over here!” she yelled, running out and waving her arms. The animal swung around and looked at her. Mouth slightly agape, he stared at Jean, stepped off the porch, and ran toward her.
    She stepped back inside, slammed the door shut, and bolted it. Near tears, she backed away. The grizzly rammed the barrier. The doors held. Father, what should I do? What can I do? She searched the barn, hoping to find something to use against the bear. The only weapon was a pitchfork, and it would be worthless against this beast. “I wish I had the rifle.”
    “Mama, what are we going to do?” Laurel asked.
    In a rage, the bear snarled and pushed against the door. A board popped and splintered.
    “Someone's got to get to the house and close that door!” Jean almost screamed. “I shouldn't have left it open.”
    “I'll do it,” Laurel said immediately. “I can run faster than either of you.”
    “You can't outrun a bear. And it's too far.”
    Laurel paced and thought. “What if you distract him? I can sneak out one of the stall doors and run for the house.”
    Jean nodded. “That might work. But I'll go. I don't want you taking such a risk.”
    “No. It has to be me.” Laurel stared at her mother. “Susie needs the one who can run the fastest.” She sat down and pulled off her boots. “I'm ready,” she said as she stood up.
    Jean knew Laurel was right, but the idea of her daughter putting herself in the path of that animal was nearly unbearable. “All right.”
    The bear's attack on the barn doors ended. There was no sound except for Susie's cries. Jean peered out. The bear was headed back to the house. “We've got to do it now!”
    “I'm going,” Laurel said and ran to the back of the barn.
    “I'll get his attention,” Jean called. She glanced at Brian who was peering down from the loft. “You stay put. I don't want to have to worry about you. Not a peep now. You hear me? No matter what happens, you stay right there and be still.”
    His face white, Brian nodded.
    Her stomach in knots, her heart thumping, Jean lifted the wooden bar and opened the door. “Laurel, are you ready?”
    “Yes.”
    “I'm going out now.” Jean stepped into the yard. The brute stood on the porch with his head inside the back door. “All right, bear! I'm here! I'm the one you want!”
    He looked at her but didn't move. He seemed undecided about what to do.
    “Come on, bear! Come and get me! There's nothin' in that house you need.” Jean picked up a handful of pebbles and started throwing them at the intruder.
    The grizzly took a step toward her, then stood on his hind legs. Small black eyes glared at her. She couldn't remember being so frightened. Susie let out a loud wail, and the bear looked back toward the house. Jean took another step away from the barn. “Come on, bear. Come on. I'm here.”
    Jean glanced at the corner where Laurel stood waiting. She can't make it without the bear seeing her! He'll be on her before she gets halfway there! Jean scanned the yard. I'll have to draw him away from the house.
    The chicken house was only a dozen yards away, but it didn't have a door. It would be of no help. A pump house stood several yards beyond. Jean doubted she could make it there before the bear got her. I have to try. If I don't… She couldn't complete the thought. It was too horrible. If she could make it part of the way before the bear