Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-12-13

gun, one of the barrels of which was useless.
Not dreaming for an instant Of meeting such
formidable game, he was sauntering leisurely
along the autumn woods depending upon
brace of hounds to arouse any game that might
be in reach. Suddenly the deep bay Of one of
the dogs broke the silence of the forest, and
soon was joined by the answering voice of the
other. Mr. Simmons quickened his steps in
the direction of the sounds expecting to find
coon, possum, or squirrel, the object of his
dogs alarm. As he came in sight and glanced
upward, he obserbed at a height of about forty
feet from the ground, lying along limb of an
oak tree, an animal which he at first supposed
was a domestic cat
He stood, doubtingly, watching its move
ments for short period, and then concluded
to try the effect Of load of shot in its body,
at all eveuts. simultaneously with the report
of the gum which reverberated far and wide
through the woods, down tumbled the game,
which no sooner had struck the ground than
both hounds attacked it with great courage.
The charge of shot had lodged in its side, and
its fall had also broken its back yet its natural
strength and ferocity was so great that in
moment or two both dogs quit the contest, and
came cowardy and crouchingly to their mas
ter's feet.
Mr.. Simmons, while the fight was raging,
had been reloading his gum and when ready,
| fired another charge into the animals body,
which proved death shot. He now went
forward and was surprised to behold the size
and character Of the animal that lay dead at
| his feet AS he was reloading, and while his
| dogs were taking fresh courage and smelling
around their once powerful enemy he was
startled by a crash in the leaves and dry brush
| in front of him, and looking up, beheld at a
distance Of about thirty feet another animal,
which he at once thought to be the mate of
| the female he had killed.
1t was crouching as if ready to make
spring while its tail was flashing the ground
behind, its hair erect and its eyes flashing with
rage. The situation of Mr.. S. was very critical.
| He knew his dogs were worthless against such
| foe, and he felt certain that charge from
his shot gun instead of relieving him of his
enemy, would but aggravate its wrath, and
| render the contest one of still greater despera-
| ton and danger. Excepting the putting on of
| cap, his gun was loaded. AS he lifted up the
butt of his piece to do this, the animal made a
| huge bound and alighted within fifteen feet of
| where he stood. The dogs had fed
| At this moment Mr.. S. remembered the
| popular belief that the only way to conquer
ferocious beast was to look it full in the eye,
and accordingly returned the fixed gaze of his
| enemy with all the resolution he could COM
mand. He then slowly stopped down, and
Selling the dead wild cat by one of its legs,
began slow and deliberate retreat, not quit.
ting for moment his gaze, and depending
solely upon his feet to guide him toward an
| open field which lay short distance next to
| the wood.
The male wild cat followed, inch by inch,
maintaining, however, respectful distance,
and awed, as it seemed, by the superior look of
Mr.. S. The skirt of the wood reached the
animal pursued no further, and the hunter
took his way with brisker step and lighter
| heart for home.