The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-05-07

The crag on which the boy stood pro-
iected from the solid rock in such IA way
as TO hang about twelve feet over the
bank. Right below one of the edges Of
this Greg, partly concealed among some
bushes, crouched a panther.
The bold youth was aware of the
proximity Of his parents, and the presence
of his dangerous enemy, at about the same
time. lie had rolled down the stone
in exullation, to convince his parents of the
high station he had attained, and he
now stood with another in his hand,
drawing it back and looking at them, as il
TO ask whether he should throw it at the
terrible animal before him. Till then, the
mother seemed immoveable in her Sis
pcnsc; but conscious Of the danger of her
son, if he irritatCd the beast, she rushed
some distance up the rock, and molioned
with her hands and head that he should
not tllrow.-Yet, with the feeling mind of
childhood, and a temper little used to
control, he fearlessly threw the fragment
with all his might al the lerocious savage,
1t struck Oh one of his feet. He gave a
sudden growl, dashed his tail with fury,
and seemed about to spring.
Get your rifle, Josah!'. The poor man
stirred not. His glazed eye was fixed with
look of death upon the panther, and he
appeared paralyzed with fear. His wife
leaped from her stand, and placing her
hands on her husbands shoulders, locked
into his face and cned, Are you man.
Josiah Eaton? Do you love your childN
He started as if from sleep. and ran with
furious haste from the rayinc.
Again the mother looked towards her
son.-lIe had fallen upon his knees, and
was whispering the little prayers she had
taught him, not in coward fear, but an i'll
definite thought came across his mind
that he must die. The PANTHER was upon
his feet. lie stopped to spring. The dis
tractcd mother could keep still no lon
ger. She rushed up the steep ascent with
the energy Of despair, reckless of the
dnger; thinking OILY of her son. The
rocks clumbled and slipped beneath her
feet yet she fell not. The sharp rocks
cut her flesh, but she needed it not. On,
on she struggled in her agony.
The feIocious crce turc paused for a
moment, when he heard the wrctched
mothers approach. True to his nature,
he sprang atthe boy. He barely touched
the crag, and fell backward as Hannah as
cendcd the opposite side.
'Ah!' said she laughing dclicouslv, slhe
panther must try itogain before he parts us,
my boy; but we won't part and sinking
on her knees before him she fondly folded
him to her breast, bathing his young fore
head with her tears.
unalterable in his ferocty, and the man
ner Of gratifying it, the panther again
sprang from his former situation. This
time he was more successful. His fore
foot struck the edge of the crag. lie
will kill us, mother, he will kill us.' and
the boy nestled closer to his mothers bo-
sem. The animal struggled to bring his
body on the crag-his savage features but
a step from the mothers face. Go away,
goaway'she shriekcd, hoarse with horror,
you shan't have my chId7 Closer-s,ill
closer lie camc-his red eyes flashing
fury, and the thick paintings of his breath
coming in her face. AT this awful mo-
ment she hears he iaintreport or firearms
from the gulph below-the panther's foot
hold falls, his sharp claws loosen from
The rock, and the balled beast rolled
bowling down the prccipice, at the feet Of
Josiah Eaton.
The suns lastrays cleaned brightly on
little group at the mouth Of the gorge.
They were on their knees-the mothers
bleeding hands over the head Of her son,
and the voice of prayer going to their
Guardian for all His mercy in thwarting
the PANTHER's LEAF.