Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-08-16

uo tUp VI WV WV oNi PSAAs
} was ascending in pursuit Of him.
!, For ten or fifteen feet above where'he now
stood the rock was perpendicular. and af-
forded no facilities for climbing except its crew.
ces and the bushes which grew from them. up
he went, however, with considerable agility until
within few feet of spot wherethe wall SEEM
ed to jut back, forming sort Of shelf here
nothing seemed within his reach by which he
might raise himself higher; and for moment
he paused. Above him and quite out of
his reach, was decayed root, which did not
look strong enough to sustain his weight, and
above that was strong bush, whicbif he could
but grasp, he felt certain Of being able to reach
the shelf, where he would have some chance Of
defending himself, and he observc the top Of
the great opening was not far above this, altho'
closer examination would have shown him that
it was impossible to reach it from his present
position, for the wall above the shelf, on either
side, presented smooth solid front, without
bush or crevice. He had but an instant to con-
slider, He heard a quick rustling in the tree
below, branch of which ran very near him,
and again that sharp hiss told him that his
frightful enemy was almost in reach Of him.
With an energy that desperation gives in such
moments, he made spring up the perpendicu-
lar face of the rock. IF he missed his aim, or
the root broke, unless he could seize the bush
above it he was lost, for he would inevitably ia II
and the serpent would seize him as soon as with
in his reach. The root did break almost in an
instant after his weight was upon it, but the
agile native had managed to lay his hand upon
the bush, and after another powerful effort he
was upon the shelf. Seeing that it was impossi-
bic to climb further, he turned, and setting his
back firmly against the rock, drew his knife and
fixed his eyes upon his enemy.
| / saw the latter wind himself around one of
the strongest of the high limbs, which would
bring him very near his victim, aud then my
self possession returned. In fact, what have
related had passed so rapidly before my eyes,
that scarcely had time for action of any sort.
The serpent had assembled the tree 50 swiftly un-
til concealed by the branches that | had no time
to fire, but now Chat he exposed himself, de-
termined to do SO, although the shot might EN-
danger the native. The frightful monster, in
his revolutions around the limb, paused when
ever his head came above it, and fixing his burn
ing'eyes upon his expected prey, made another
turn around the limb, each came time nearer to
its extremity AS his head came fairly in view
fired, aiming at his neck. The report of the
rife in this pent up place was tremendous, and
instantly running his head towards the tree, the
serpent twisted himself into IL large knot upon
the limb. l distinctly heard his blood dropping
upon the leaves near my feet. thoaght had
done the business for him, but was mistaken, for
in moment, kissing in anger, he uncoiled him
self and again he advancea along the branch.
My companion had left his fowlins-piece near
where stood, and seized it and flied u second
time, but without effect. He reached the end Of
the limb which, though running horizontally,
was the continuance of the main body of the
tree, and having been broken near the shelf, was
strong enough to bear his weight and bend very
little. Here, with his head fattened, and his
arched and swollen crest glowing like fire, he
prepared to spring upon his prize. The blood
streamed from the wound in his neck, and Aow-
ing down, crimsoned the bright scales, but he
seemed to be but little injured. His burning
and dilating eyes were fixed intentl7 upon the
native, and his red forked tongue darted like an
$ incessant fame from his mouth The man was
e prepared for him-the keen knife glttercd in
t his hand-but his situation was terrible one.
At this moment dark shadow toll upon him
: He looked up, and in amazement behold lion
! Of great size standing upon the brink of the
: opening, some ten feet above him. with his eyes
y fixed on the other side, and evidently intending
. to cross. A hiss from below caught his ear, and
dropping his head quickly between his legs, he
lifted his.legs, and with loud roar sprang fierce
=. ly at the native, who avoided him by shrinking
;. close to the rock, and as he came within reach
! on the shelf, he plunged the knife into his side
AS the lion recovered his leap, and turned upor
his foe saw two or three coils fly from tn,
limb like rings of fire, ssa in an Instant one o
a them was around ths. sSsggsy necE of the lordl.
- BEAST and the fangs of the serpent were fasten
4 ed just above his eyes. Ho was dragged strug
~ Cling from the shelf, and the serpent retaining
"A his hold upon the limb, they swung heavil.,
/, against the body of the tree. The joints of tn
l. serpent were stretched to the utmost tension, ,an
l. the limb bent and cracked with.she weight
!. sustained, but he firmly kept hold, and dre'
=. the cord around the neck of the struggling lio
q as tight as a hangman's knot. But the might
4 beast was not thus to be overcome. With on
he of his strong paws be grasped the snake abov
i. the head, and turning, seized that part in hi
ID mouth, crushing bones and flesh, and grindin
40 his teeth in fury when they met. The cord
ID upon the limb relaxed and they fell heavily
n the ground, fighting in heap, and whirlin
ok the dry leaves up in cloud with their fiery er
us ergy.
at ran up the path which the native had s.
lie lected before, and was soon joined by him. Wit
ny little difficulty we reached the top of the opel
af ing, and turned to look at the strange battle
,sc low. But it was over. The huge serpent ID
We, bloody and motionless at the foot of the tire
at and the victorious lion disappeared among Il
Get bushes in the direction of the issure. He h,
ovc received some severe wounds, and doubt n
ing his bones ached from the great stress of the Sc
as pent's folds
zed This extraordinary occurrence did not preve
ed. US from reaching the summit Of the mountai
pom and gazing in wonder and delight over the v,
vas and beautiful country. 1t was the most exc