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Show Page 59 ice, stopping only once to build a fire and warm up. It took them most of the day to reach the Chew's, and Bernard believed the only thing that kept him alive was "Ann riding in the lead with her head thrown back in defiance of all obstacles . . . determined to reach a sick mother in time." It would seem Ann possessed some of her mother's caring nature, along with her strong will. She was, in fact, a complex person of many natures. There was the Ann Bassett who defended her valley like the mother grizzly defended her lassoed cub, and in doing so was cruel to cattle and capable of marrying without love. There was the Ann who scorned weakness and danger. There was also the Ann who rescued and fought for orphaned calves, fed the chipmunks, defended her Indian friends, and cared deeply for the settlers of Brown's Park. This was the Ann who risked her life to go the aid of the Chews. Mrs. Chew survived and so did Bernard, who lived to be sixty-seven. But his marriage to Ann, the woman he so admired, would endure only three more years. The difference in their ages likely played a part in the failure of the marriage. Also important was the fact that Bernard cared more for Ann than she did for him. While Ann described Bernard as "a thoughtful husband, a friend to children, and a gentleman under any circumstances," Bernard claimed he wasn't as important to Ann as the pet chipmunks that surrounded her. But differing ages and one-sided affection weren't the only factors involved. Another |