Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-08-16

only child.
Her mother was of gentle birth, her father
being baronet and holding colonel's COM
mission in the army. The marriage had taken
place in opposition to his wishes, and he at
once disowned her. Soon after, the young
couple left their native land for the continent
of America.
In their forest home, Mr.. Chace had endeav-
ored, to the best of his ability, to educate his
daughter. Here he also made the acquaint-
ance of Hooking, to whom in his last mo-
ments, he confided the care of his child, and
well had the worthy trapper fulfilled the pro-
mise he then made. Her father had also de-
sired that the relatives of his wife should not
be made acquainted of the existence or where
abouts of his daughter, unless they first made
Inquiries for her.
One afternoon, as Hooking was cleaning his
rife, seated on the doorsteps, and Forestina
and Love1 were walking at a little distance
engaged in conversation, the dogs, who had
been crouching lazily at the feet of their mas
ter, suddenly started up with bristling hides
and sul.en growls.
E'What is it you see that disturbs you SO,
my good pups ?'' said their master.
AT that moment piercing cry was heard at
some little distance, and Lovel and Forestina
hastily joined the trapper.
elf l mistake not, that was the the cry of
a panther, was it not ?'' asked Lovel.
ssThere is no mistaking the cry of rascal
ly panther, any more than the yell offs redskin,
and one is just about as pleasant as t'other,''
II 41a
the dogs, who were growing moro and more
uneasy.
ssWe must shoot him, of course,'' said the
young man, directing look of anxiety to the
fair girl, sshis vicinity is unpleasantly near
Don't you think so, Miss Chace ?''
81 have so often heard these cries. she an
swered, ssthat 1 regard them but slightly, es-
pecially when have brave friends to protect
me.''
eff you will go into the woods with me-"
| Said Hooking to Lovel, ssI will show you
a bit Of sport that perhaps you never witness
ed.''
ssBut Miss Chace-shall we leave her
alone 20
ssOh, she won't mind it; besides, she has the
dogs to protect her.
In a few minutes Hooking appeared from
the cabin, thoroughly rigged, as he expressed
it. He was clothed in complete suit of ar
NOR, and no knight in the days of chivalry
could have been more completely encased in
steel thah he was. Bidding the young man
take his rifle for fear of accident, he started
in the direction from whence the cry had pro-
| ceeded.
ssYou have forgotten your arns,'' cried
Lovel.
ssNo, have not; always carry them on
my shoulders, but as for weapon, l do not
need one in this affair. 1t amt every man
that could move in this armor, though l say
it; but if a panther stick his claws through
it, why, he is welcome; but it's my opinion he
will have to choke frst.''
a panther is fearful animal TO look upon
in his wild state of unchecked ferocity. His
glaring eyes, extended fangs, and dashing tail,
are not pleasant to regard, even when one has
a sure rife in his hand but for to cope
single-handed with monster of this kind,
even though protected in a measure by armor
Lovel thought was more than he would will
ingy undertake.
They were not long in finding their object,
whose growing increased as they approached.
Gaining good position, with his back braced
firmly against tree, Hooking waited for the
panther to attack him, while Lovel was sta
toned at a little distance on one side. Wheth-
er the animal was afraid of the armor or not,
they could not tell but it was certain that
he showed no disposition to spring upon his
intruder, until the latter, growing impatient,
caught up large stick and threw at him.
This was too much for brute nature to bear,
and, leaping almost an incredible distance, he
alighted at the feet of the trapper, who at
once closed with him. Never had Loye1 seen
such terrific struggle the part of the
beast, or such strength and GOODNESS displayed
by any man before.
AT the first onset, Hooking encircled the
panther with a hug that might have done Gre
dit to polar bear. The animal, unused to
such receptions, was maddened to the highest
degree, and in his struggles actually left the
marks of his claws on the surface of the finely
tempered steel armor. The trapper now firm
ly grasped his throat with his left hand, while
his right descended like sledge-hammer
upon his back and side with force sufficient
to actually break some of his ribs.
The animal now seemed disposed to give
up the contest, while Hooking, with an i'm
mense effort, threw him to the ground, and
planting his knee firmly on the shoulders, held
him down, while his hands COMPRISING his
throat like a.'garrote, - he caused his strangu-
| lation.
There is an attractiveness in an object of