The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-04-17
From the New York TYaveller.l
THE WOLF TRAP

Among the early settlers Of western New
York, was one Michael for as he was com.
monty called Nike Johnson, an emigran, from
-Englsnd, where he was like many Of
his compeers, yclept, Jack at all trades.'
Now Mike was the same in the desert as in
the town. consequently he could not refuse
tending a hand TO do a little chors,' TO any
ono that might ask his assistance. Fore.
most in the rank Of his qualifications, stood
hls 'butchering,' j. e. staying and dressing
the various domestic animals, used for home
consumption, but in consequence of too great
opposition, he had left the scenes Of early
youth. to seek his fortune among tho bears
and wolves Of tho western wiids. In the
course OF two years, he had as much as he
wanted 10 do,' in going from neighbor to
COW, from which labor he generally received
a certain proportion Of the slaughtered crit
ter Though last, not least Of his accom-.
pishments, was his skill on the fiddle, which
was always the companion Of his profession.
al visits, and on which he would scrape man.
cy Dawson, JACKIE. morning brush. over tho
water to Charlie, &c, in Z style, which might
well DO envled by many Of our modern smate.
urs, while the merry boys and gals would
trip u on the lis ht fantastic toe, with Q 10y
BUSINESS peculiar TO their disolated situation.
Among the rest Of his employers was name.
sako OF his, William Johnson, who had in the
hardy spirit OF the times, migrated to the
thicket OF the forest about two miles from the
nearest human habitation. One fine evening
after he had killed sheep and fatted cali,
Mike SGT down to drink rye whiskey, and a.
muse the family in playing few tunes, until
what with the potent libations of 'ginewine
stuff joined with the pressing sn,reaties OF
The gals to stay littlo longer, assuring him
that nothing would hurt him. il was near
midnight whom he started for home. TAX
ing then, his accustomed reward for such SER
vices a. he had that day rendered, viz "a
quarter OF each ofthe animals, and singing
them across his shoulder. with his fiddle bag
under his arm; he commenced his short but
fearful way homeward. He had not proceed.
ed more than quarter of mile, before he
heard IN his rear, and in the direction Of the
hut no had lett, the fierce howl Of hungry
wolves Knowing from the nature of the am
NAL, that he was the object Of their pursuit.
gaining rapidly, he had recourse to stralagem,
to delay their progress. lie threw 10 the
ground, one piece Of the meat he carried
when in few minutes he heard them, TO use
his own words, fighting for il like 90 many
devils II was, however. soon dsvoured, and
pgain they came on, making the forest echo
with their frightfu howl. He then threw the
remaining piece and ran for life. lie thus
hoped 10 arrest their career sufficiently, to
enable him to reach an old dilapidatcd log
hut, about mile from bis own residence and
which tradition said, had once been inhabited
by hermit, with every part OF which he wss
well acquainted. just before reaching the
hut, the path led through glade Of about ten
rods in diameter. Just ss be had crossed this
opening, he turned his head and saw the hun
cry pack, emerging from the opposite eide Of
tho cleared spot In full pursuit. Exsstine HE
remaining strength, he rushed into the hot,
and sprang up the old ladder which led into
the garret. Yet 90 close were the fevocious
|crestures upon him, that one OF them with Z
bound, caught him by the heel 90 he wee a.
cending with no other injury, however than
the loss Of his shoe, which the wolf retained
In his teeth. He then with sems difRcultv
succeeded IN drawing up the rough ladder,
placing is scross the entrance, together Win
the remains Of On old table and rude chair.
thus securing himself from further molsnla.
ton. After resting for some time. not relish.
ing the discordsnt tones OF his fellow topsnts.
he determined 10 'discourso most element
music 70 them. Accordingly drsu forth his
INSTRUMENT from tho ease, .tuSped r. end BE-.
gan playing 'Yankss Doodle. 'fIuii Columdis,'
ond the Ike Tina usvfor sn,n~ ~osaavx -