Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-04-22
An EXCITING HUNT
Putnam Outdone-Mountain of Virginia.


of February tells the following story:
1t may not be generally known that
part of the State of Virginia where the
counties of Shenandoah, Hardy and Pen
dleton Join, is as wild as any other part of
the territory of the United States, and
abounding in most kinds of game. The
waters Of Cedar Creek, wild and romantic
stream, wash the base Of the tall ridges
which rear their frowning submits of rock
far overhead, altogether presenting as prim-
tive an appearance as can well be imagined.
The persons alluded TO in the annexed
sketch are residents of Shenandoah county,
on the road from Capon Springs to Stras-
burg. Mr.. Adam Rudolph, who was the
principal actor in the incidents related below,
lives on Cedar Creek, about sixty years of
age, but shows no mark that time has
weakened his abilities TO Chamber over the
hills or surmount the crags Of Cedar Creek.
Tall and erect in his carriage, with the eye
of an eagle, an indomitable will and great
energy of character, he would have made
formidable foeman TO the Indian, had his lot
been cast on the frontier. He, however,
dispenses the favors of genuine Virginia
hospitality to those who may be thrown in
his way, and friend of gun or rods is al
ways sure TO find hearty welcome.
A short time since the inmates ofa dwell
ing not far from Cedar Creek, at night, were
startled by the attempts of large animal
to get into the house. A sick lady, infant
and nurse, occupied room on the first
floor. A brother and sister occupied apart
ments above and the husband was absent;
from the lateness of the hour the entire
household was asleep. The lady was AVA
kened by hearing something at the window
and turning towards it, in the full light ofthe
moon. she saw the head of an animal at a
pane Of glass, which was almost instantly
broken, and large round head thrust through
the opening, the sash bent and seemed if 1t
would give way. Her screams aroused the
house and brought her brother into the room
when the animal with difficulty withdrew his
head. An effort was made to pursue it, but
the only dog on the premises refused to leave
the house, his instinct, probably telling hin
there was danger.
The next morning the circumstances be-
came known to the neighbors, and as tht
ground was covered with snow SO that th'
beast might be easily tracked, it was deter
mined to hunt him up. Accordingly Mr.
Rudolph and two of his nephews started OIL
the trail, and followed the track up tn
steps to Paddy Mountain, the snow bein
on an agetwcnty inches deep. All tina
day and the following day, until near night
were consumed in the hunt, when the trac
ended at den. Having succeeded thus fal
, they concluded to go home and make the ei
fort to get him out next morning.
] On the following morning, some two hour
y before day, accompanied by their trust
f dogs, they retraced their steps, and after
long and laborious walk, arrived at the del
only to find to their great modification tn;
the animal had left his retreat and gone fal
y ther. They however again followed II
track, keeping the dogs back so as not
destroy the foot prints by running owe
) them. Ina short time they came across ii
II carcass of deer which had been recentl
: killed and nearly devoured, from this the
: judged they were close upon him. II
y route now was on the very summit of Padt
i Mountain, along which they ploddcd throus
Il the deep snow, until near the setting Of Il
&c sun, when they had the satisfaction to fiji
'' that the game had taken den.
Darkness in an hour would overshado
= them, so that there was but little time
q spare for consultation. Supposiug the al
nal to be bear, they cautiousl y ma
reconnoitre, each with his rifle to
: shoulder, ready to shoot him if he wor
- come out, which the bear invariably does
:, he hears noise outside Of his den. I
~ as there was no appearance of his comi
ho out, they drew closer and examined the {
~ trance, which was hole nearly perpend
+ ular, about six feet deep, with masses
b. shelving rock around it. While they w
in doing this, one of the dogs ran upon
l.. fiat rock which crowned the den and pl
60 inghis nose to small rent, gave unmisti
cct able evidence by erect tail and low gre
that the animal was within. He instar
darted round and entered the hole, follow
by the others, before it could be prevent
to In moment a. terrific growl was hef
OF followed by blow of the animals paw
the rock as he struck at the dogs. 5
igh the mingled growls of the animal, an
will furious barking of the dogs, with cries
on pain and rage of the latter, came from