The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-04-08
NUMBER 46.

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try, in order to detect any sign Of the fI-
gitives-at other times the Scout would
come TO stand and place his ear to the
ground for the same purpose. Blu. ex-
cept the trail they had as yet discovered
nothing.
UAPTERv
1t was now getting towards noon, and
the two in pursuit we're moving steadily
though briskly forward, for of late the
trail had grown at every step more and
more fresh, giving assurance that the par
ty they were seeking could not be great
distance in advance of them, when the
Scout made a sudden halt.
Hist" said he in low whisper 10 his
companion pointing at the same time TO
cump of thick bushes that crowned a
slight ascent a short distance in front of
them. 81 don't like the looks of things
yonder. See to your arms, my lad, we
may have use for them presently"
The young man hastily reprinted his
piece, and held it ready for immediate ac-
ton.
"Wait here" continued the Scout,
"while take peep about us. There
may he mischief in the neighborhood. -
SO saying he plunged into the underbrush
at his right and disappeared.
For some time the young man stood his
ground, waiting in anxious expectation,
with his eyes fixed steadlasty on the thick
et He could sec nothing TO cause the a.
larm exhibited by the Scout. Every thing
) at hrst appeared as ussal and he began to
wonder at the movements of his compan-
ion. Presently, however, he discovered
slight movement among the branches in
| the centre of the cump, which under Or
, binary circumstances would not have at
, tractcd his notice. In short time the
bushes became more agiiated, accompa-
MED by swapping of the dry twigs. A
moment more and the young man was
startled by the sight of large catamount
which emerged from the covert along the
, trunk of MASSEY tree, which had fallen
, into it, and stood crouched on the projec-
ting butt Immediately before him, lashing
his tail and cycling him with an angry,
, flashing glance, in the very attitude of
} bouncing upon him. As quick as thought
. the young man brought his rifle to his
I shoulder, and was just on the point of
! drawing the trigger, when warning from
the Scout restrained him.
"Don't fire, youngstcr-don't fire.
Get tree between you if possible, and
| leave him to me-"
The sound of the Scouts voice seemed
t TO divert the attention of the animal, for
! he turned his head IN the direction whence
it came, crashing his langs and inpatient
= Iy clawing the decayed trunk with his cat
like paws. The young man siczed the
opportunity and made movement with
the intention of securing the cover of a
| large tree few feet from him. lie had
scarcely taken the first step, when with
the quickncss of lightning the formidable
beast turned and gathered himself for
spring, uttering at the same time the pecu-
liar cry which always precedes, or rather
accompanies the fatal leap. The young
man gave himself up for lost; but at that
instant the sharp report Of rifle rang
d, through the woods, and the panther boun-
a ding high in the air, fell struggling with
t in few feet of where he stood spell
Y bound with fear.
q "Therc's an end of that varmint!" ex-
d claimed the Scout, bursting from a thick
It copse near by. "But take care of your
s self my lad," he shouted, ''lor the critter
a is terrible in his agones, and hardly safe
when the life is gone"
t IL have made worse shots in my life
than that" continued he as he pointed TO
It dark spot in the forehead of the with.
i ing animal, whence the warm blood was
: fast ooxng. "IIe's wicked thing when
y his rage is up, and bad as a red skin every
v inch of him. But we have no time to
1t waste over him. | was loath TO fire, for
the report may reach the ears of those who
z, need but the falling of a leaf to rouse their
c suspicious" So saying the Scout care.
h fully reloaded his piece and fastened again
/, on the pursuit.
d Casting glance on the expiring pam
&c Their, whose dying eye still cleaned fero'
at ciously upon him as he passed, young Ma
y berry followed his companion, grateful fol
r his late escape, yet fearful that the repor
'r of the gun might betray their approach t.
ID the savages and thus jcopardizo the life o
er the captive, or at any rate put them OF
III their guard, and so prevent a surprise.
d. Conclusion neat ,reek.
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