Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-03

4 DNNA Vi IilS NiOlt cfeuIg Du
the newly invented snare; aud he tells my ia
ther that he is going to set it in the woods -
Ah! he knows all the tricks and snares tina
they invent in the cities, and he will battle you
and turn you out of the path YETI r., -
6 Let not that trouble YOU Mabel" replied
Ben, soothingly, while smile of self-confdenc,
stole over his face Don't be downeast fol
that. Men may invent snares and traps intht
cities, but they must learn to use them in the
forest; and if the city-born prove too much fo1
US there, it's our own fault, and we deserve it
And as to what you tell me of his pretending
to know something of the hunters craft why
there meet him on my own ground and yield
to no man living; and now,. since I've been
talking with you, don't know how it is, but |
feel as if new life and confidence had been in.
fused into me. Only be true to me Mabel
Your father cannot force you into marriage:
and when he finds that | want neither his
goods nor his gold, but only yourself for my
wife, he will see at once that such son-in-aw
will bring him far more honor than would the
smart citizen, and | shall yet win a consent from
him." So taking cheerful leave of the mai
den, he shouldered bis rifle, and walking with
a firm step and q brave heart toward the
forest. "f +a
The favorite resort of the wolves was an en-
closure adjoining the homesteads and at the
outskirts of the wood, where the cattle were
Uttered down at night; and here it was that
Benjamin Holick had set his shares. One of
these-that to which he especially looked to
crown his hopes with success--was placed near
a track the wolves had made between two ele-
waited ridges, so narrow that it was impossible
for them to pass without observing the tempt
ing bait with which it was garnished- head
of fresh killed horse. The locality had one
great advantage. 1t was commanded BY the
summit of a craggy rock, from whence Benia-
MINIS eagle glance could at once ascertain how
matters stood below The necessity of close
inspection was thus obviated, and there were
no treacherouS footprints to arouse the sus-
picions of the wary foe. He could not in
deed see to the bottom of the pit but he could
see whether the trap was set or whether it had
been sprung. ''
There was nothing to be done at night, and
after his parting with Mabel Ben made at once
for his bivouac on the hill side, where he had
determined to remain until he had achieved the
enterprise He soon succeeded in kindlinr-
fire, and after eating has simple supper rolled
himself up in his blanket and quietly fell
asleep.
There was no need of cock-crowing to arouse
him in the morning, for at the first ~plaintive
note of the whip-poor-will he had started to his
feet, and prepared his coffee, of which every
sportsman in the backwoods carries with him
IA supply roasted and ground, in linen or lea
thern bag-and then sat impatiently watching
for the first streaks of daylight in the eastern
SKY.
Slowly, but at last-at last the longed for
light began to dawn, the signal for the return
of the wolves TO their accustomed and general
ly inaccessible dens; and now, creeping rather
than walking and carefully avoiding such with
cred branches and cracking brushwood as
might have told to some lingering beast the
tale of his approach. Ben made the best of his
way to the look out on the rock.
The top of the snare was no longer to be
Seen-had it indeed fallen, His heart beat
with feveriSh anxiety, and it was with strong
effort that he restrained his impatence, and
waited for full morning light ere'he descend
ed to the hunting ground The suspense at
length became intolerable, and as he looked
with fixed and straining gaze against the grow
inc light, he became convinced of the fact-it
was no longer hope--a doubt-it was GER
tainty The snare had fallen, and a wolf must
be at the bottom, With rapid pace he descend
ed the height, and made for the spot where,
amid a thicket of sassafras and spicebushes. in
A heap of driftwood brought down by the
mountain torrent. and sprinkled by its clear
rushing waters, the Snair had been laid. . .
Hmrah." shouted Ben, giving vent to his
ecstasy in one loud ringing note Of triumph
He had reason--for there, at the bottom of the
pit, looking shy, and as if ashamed to be seen
N the dyalight was fine, black coated he
wolf The creatures eyes glared fcrcely when
through the opening of his prison, they fell on
he form of the young hunter-the most peril
)uS of all the enemies by whom he was beset,
nto whose hands he could have fallen. ae
q Hark ye, beastie," said Benjamin, looking
lown between the. interstices of the fallen
beams, which were about handbreath apart.
3 have put stop to your haudwork at last,
-ou hoarv old glutton! And there YOU are, af-
er having snarled away all your fellows from
he newly discovered dainty, seated in the place
If honor behind the grating! Only wait while,
md have still more glorious sport in prospect
or thee"
The wolf showed his teeth and grinned saw
sgely at the young hunter as he bent over the
rap, but no attempt to stir, seeming like an
dog to await his opportunity fora spring.
1t was not Ben's purpose 10 lrrltate the animal
urther he cast one more look down and then
angling cried
:. | am not altogether unkindly disposed to-
ward thee, old fellow, for though you are not
.ltogether the most likely looking OF suitors,
,ou shall yet help me to win bride; and SO
Ne will part friends;a and then nodding pleas
lntlv to his captive and shouldeTing his rife,
Ben sprane leaping down the somewhat deep
leeliyity that led by the nearest path to the
lomesteads, in order TO get assistance without
lelay, and so at once to bell the wolf: and
hen hurrah! how he viii jump! Tie shall go
rec enough then; clear course and liberty at
will"
The inhabitants of Woodville had not per-