Litchfield enquirer., 1855-02-08

joined by one immense fat rock, almost seeming to verify the fable of the Titans for it appeared impossible that these enor- nous blocks of stone could have ever been raised to such an elevation by human agen- cy. Sinister legends were attached to the place; and the mountaineers recounted with terror that no hunter with the exception of the pareur, had ever been posted at the bridge of Mature without becoming the prey of either the bears or the precipiee. But the pareur was too good Christian to par. take of this ridiculous prejudice he attri- hrted the fatality 10 its real cause.-the dizziness arising from the sight of the bears and the precipice combined, by destroying the hunters presence of mind, made his aim unsteady, and his death the inevitable con- sequence. He could not, however, alto gether dives. himself of fears for his young master, who obstinately persevered in his , inte niion of occupying the bridge with his antagonist. - After placing the baron's companions at posts which he considered the most advan- tageous, the pareur rejoined his men, and disposing them so as to encompass the valley facing the cascade, commanded the utmost silence to be preserved until they should hear the first bark off dog. Atthat signal the mastilfs were to be ua!eaahsd, the instru- ments sounded, and all to move slowly for ward. contracting the circle as they ap- preached the cascade These arrangements being made, the pareur and his dog, followed by the mandrin alone, disappeared in the depths of the wood.
 For some minutes the silence had remain ed unbroken, when suddenly furious bark ing commenced, accompanied by low growl- ing. Each prepared his arms: the instru- ments sounded; and the maslifis being let loose, precipitated themselves pelmell in the direction of the struggle. Their furious barking was soon confuunded with the cries ofthe hunters and the din ofthe instruments. mingled with the formidable growing of the bears, making altogether hideous concert, which, rolling along the sides of the valley, was repeated by the distant echoes. At this moment the young baron regarded his com panion, whose countenance, though pale, remained calm and scornful.
 Attention, sir" said he in low voice. "The bears are not far from us : let your aim be true, or else-"
 Keep your counsels for yourself, sir!' Attention !' repeated Fiile,reton. with out seeming to notice the sur!y response "he approaches :"
 Those who were placed in front of the cascade, seeing the animals directing their | course to the bridge, cried from all parts, Look out, look out, Villetreton!' But the breaking of branches. followed by the roll ing of loosened stones down the precipice, had already given warning of the animals near approach. Malatour became deadly pale he, however, held his carabine firmly, in the attitude of resolute hunter. A bear at length appeared, with foaming mouth and glaring eyes, at times turning as fine would fAin struggle with his pursuers but when he saw the bridge, his only way of escape, occupied, he uttered fearful growl, and raising himself on his hind legs, swas rushing on our two hunters, when a ball struck him in the forehead, and he fell dead at their feet.
 Malatour convulsively grasped his gun he had become completely powerless. Sud denly new cries, louder and more pressing, were heard
 "Fire fire ! he is now on you :" cried the pareur, who appeared unexpectedly, pale and agitated, his gun 10 his shoulder, but ufrad to fire, lest he should hit his master.
 The latter, perceiving his agitation, turn- cd round it was indeed time. On the other side of the bridge, a bear, much larger than the first, was in the act of making the final rush. Springing backward, he seized the carahine of his pe,riiied companion, and lodged i.s curI'ruts ir rtIr anfuIaf-y breast ere he could reach them. He rolled, in the dea,h-struggle, to where they stood. All this was the work of an instant. The knees of the hardy old pareur shook with emotion at the escape of his young master; as for Malatour. his livid paleness, and the con vulsive shuddeTing of his linbs, testified the state ofhis mind.
 "Take your arms" said the young baron, quickly replacing in his hands the rarabine ; here are our comrades-,hey must not see you unarmed and, pareur, not word of all ,his.''
 "Lock 7" said he to his companions, as they gathered around, pointing to the mon strous beasts" one to each. Now, Mon- sieur de Malatour, wait your o,ders, and am ready to give the satisfaction you re- quire."
 The latter made no reply, hut reached out his hand, which Ville,retoE cordially shook.
 That evening banquet was given to celebrate the double victory. Towards the end of the repast, toast to |" the vanquish- ers' Was proposed, aud immediately accept cd. Monsieur d'Argen,re, glass in hand, rose to pledge it. when Ma!a,our, also rising, held his arm. exclaiming-s' To the sole vanqulsher of the day Ito our noble host! IL was l,e alone who killed the two bears; and if, through his generosity. have al- lowed the illusion to last so long, it was simply for this reason: the afiront which gave him was public one-ti,e reparalicn ought to he public likewise. Inow declare that Monsieur de Ville,re,on is the bravest of the brave. and that shall maintain ii towards al! and against all."
 "This time. ai least. shall not take up your gauntlet" said Monsieur d'Argentrr.
 "There's'a brave young man!' cried the pareur, whom his master had admitted to his table, and who endeavored to conceal furtive tear. "Nothing could better prove to me. sir, that with little experience, vou