Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-07-28

and the whole valley re-echoed with the report of
! the douby-oaded gun, together with the loud howl
which proceeded from the wounded animal The
| bear fled from the fatal spot, passing once more
within ten PAGES of William Without perceiving him.
The latter had now taken the additional precaution
OF drawing the sack over his head, and rest motion
tlonless as before against the face of the rock.
| Francis, with his musket in hand, stood beneath
the shelter of the WOOD silent and breathIess spec
tator OF the scene. He is a bold huntsman, but he
owned to me that he fairly wished himself at home
when ne saw the enormous animal, furious from its
wound, bearing straight down upon the spot where
ne Stood lie made the sign of the cross (for our
hunters, sir, pious men), commended his soul to
God, and looked to see that his gun was well-oad-
ed. Already was the bear within a few PAGES of
the pine-Wood; in two minutes more a deadly en-
counter must take place, in which Francis was well
aware that either he or the bear must fall, when
suddenly the wounded animal paused, raised his
nostrlls in the air, if catching some scent which
was borne by the breeze, and then utterng one fur-
Gus grow, he turned hastily round, and rushed back
towards the orchard.
"Take care of yourself, Wiam-take carel''
exclaimed Francis, at the same time darling for
ward In pursuit of the bear, and forgetting every
thing else in his anxiety to save his old comrade
from the terrible danger which threatened him; for
he knew well that if William had not had time to
reload his gun, it was all over with hm-the bear
had evidently scented him. But suddenly fearful
cry-a cry of human terror and human agony-rent
the air. IL seemed as though he who uttered it had
concentrated every energy in that one Wild despair
ing cry-an appeal to God and man-"Eielp! oh,
help, help!'' A dead silence ensued; not even a
single moan was heard to succeed that cry of an
guish. Francis flew down the slope with redoubled
speed and as he approached the rock, he began yet
more clearly to distinguish the huge ANIMAL which
had hitherto been half concealed beneath its shade,
and perceived that the bear trampling under
foot, and rending to pieces the PROSTATE form of
his unfortunate assaiant.
Francis close at hand; but the bear, still
intent upon his prey, did not even seem aware of
his presence. lie did venture to fire, for terror
and dsmay had unnerved his arm, and he feared
that he might miss his aim, and perhaps shoot his
unhappy friend, if indeed he yet continued to
breathe. He took upa stone and threw it at the
BEAR The Infatuated animal turned Immediately
upon this new and unexpected foe, and raising him.
self upon his hind legs, prepared to give him that
formidable hug, which the experienced huntsman
well knew would prove last embrace Pdralyzed
with fear, his presence of mind had well-nigh de-
serted him, when, all of sudden, he became con-
scous that the animal pressing the point of his
gun with its shaggy breast Mechanically, almost,
ne placed his finger upon the lock, and pulled the
trigger The bear fell backwards-the ball had this
time done its work effectually. 1t had pierced
through his breast, and shattered the spinal bone.
The huntsman, leaving the expiring animal upon
the ground, now fastened to his comrades side.
But, alas it too late for human assistance to be
OF any avail. The unfortunate man was so com.
pletely mutated, that it would have been imposs;-
bic even to recognize his form. With sickening
heart, Francis FASTENED to call for help; for he
could perceive by the lights which were glancing in
the cottage windows that the unwonted noise had
reused many of the villagers from their slumbers n
Before many moments had elapsed, almost all the
inhabitants of the village were assembled in poor
Mona S orchard, and his wife among the rest. l
need not describe the dismal scene. A collection
was made for the poor widow through the whole
valley of the Rhone, and sum of seven hundred
francs was thus raised. Francis insisted upon her
receiving the government bounty, and sold the flesh
and skin of the bear for her benefit. In Short all
her neghbors united to assist her to the utmost of
their power. We nn-keepers also agreed to open
subscription list at respective houses, in case
any travellers should wish to contribute trlflle; ard
in case you, sir, should be disposed to put down
your name for small sum, | should take it as
great favor.
''NIost assuredly,'' replied NJ. Dumas, as he rose
from the table, and cast parting glance of horror
at the last morse Of the bear steak, inwardy vows
ing never again to make experiments in gastronomy.