The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-11-21

prise the game with all the cunning and
cleverness of cat, and scarcely ever loses
the victim he has tracked. if his owr
scent does not betray him.
Our hunting exiles, however, had nc
time for these observations on natural his.
tory. A black mass soon moved onward
towards one of the lures. Stroganow aim
ed, the rifle sounded, and with loud
yell large wolf fell dying on the ground.
A wild howl followed from the next OF
the savage pack, which was soon stifed
but, horrible sight scarcely had the
dead ceased to move, than a whole herd
of his companions rushed forth from all
sides, fell upon the bats and on their fall
en- comrade, for whose flesh the hungry
beasts fought. Four shots were poured
into this mass, and four wolves rolled on
the ground; while the rest, with fright
full bowling, vanished into the woods with
a speed that was marvellous.
The fortunate hunters reloaded quick
ly, to greet any new comers with a fresh
volley. But they were mistaken: the
wolves, more terrified by the fire than by
the death Of their companions, came back
no more. An hour passed-a long time
to people inconvenicntly seated among the
branches Of trees. In vain, however, the
exiles waited: no sound was heard
Straganow, therefore, resolved to descend
and call his companions, when suddenly
he heard the snow rustic in the brush
wood behind his tree, and distinguished
the heavy tread of an animal. Hastily
looking round, he saw massy black OBJ
ject winding with difficulty through the
underwood. He took it for wolf, pre-
pared his rifle, and when he thought him
self sure of his aim, fired. In his haste,
he either missed or slightly wounded the
animal. What he supposed, too, to be
wolf, proved to be huge bear, which,
growing frightfully, Immediately reared
himself against the tree, and with the agil-
ity of his race began to ascend. Strog-
anow instantly called for help. In his
first alarm he had dropped his lance. and
and axe, together with his now useless
rifle, and only his knife was left for his
defence. But the young and courageous
officer did not lose resolution and hope.
He took the knife between his teeth,
climbed up higher, and slung himself for
ward on strong bough, to protect him
self from the bear till he should get help
from his friends. Unfortunately, he did
not consider that he was thus placing
himself out of sight Of his companions,
AS the thick undcr-blanches would hide
him from them, while in the darkness
they would be unable to take aim, lest
they should hit him instead of the bear.
However, there was no time for refec-
tion. If Stroganow had climbed up quick
ly, the bear was quite match for him in
that feat of gymnastics. Stroganow had
no sooner seated himself on the selected
branch, than the bears shaggy head ap-
peared, his small eyes glowing like two
in the dark. On seeing Strog-
anow near him, he gave violent swing,
reached the bough, and marched boldly
toward him.
what is the matter . was now asked
from below. 1t was Romanow' s voice.
A bear Oh. help! He is already
almost up" replied the distressed man,
in deep anguish,
Where? We cannot see him. said
Golowin's voice, its trembling betraying
the agitation of his friend.
Here, on the branch
A shot sounded !--another still anoth.
err! Splnters of wood flew about like
glass from the boughs, but the bear was
not the least injured, and in vain those
below expected happy token from
above.
Soon fearful scene was Displayed
The bear advanced cautiously onwards to
Stoganow, who had no choice but to with
draw backwards, the knife in his hand,
his eye fixed on his formidable opponent,
sliding along the bough to it's thinner ex-
tremity as far as possible, there to await
the animal The bear held on by his fore
paws, and had the great advantage of be-
ing on the thicker and less pliable end,
while Strosanow' situation was most
critical. The bear was within four feet of
him, and he had enough to do to hold on
to the branch, which was scarce six inches
thick where he sat. The beast began the
attack by striking at Stroganow with his
right fore paw, and he in return made vio-
ent thrusts at his enemy, but either hit
him to little effect. or not all then he lost
MS balance, and hung on the bouoh by
MS left hand and knee, without power to
rise and help himself. But the next mo-
nent the bear was upon him. The brave
Russian, in spite Of his perilous position,
,ndeavored to thrust at his enemy, but
Most consciousness. The blood cush-
ID from his ears, and the pain of the stroke
rom the animal began to stupify him.
All consciousness vanished, and he drop-
ped from branch to branch, full sixty feet
lown to the snow.
Those below had heard only the roar
ng of the bear and the low moaning of
heir companion. when he suddenly fell
lown in their midst, apparently liieless.
Golowin quickly raised him up, and plac.
ID him some PAGES back, near the bushes.
The rest waited to avenge the supposed
ieath OF their friend. Meanwhile, an
audible cracking of the boughs convinced
he bear Of the danger of his situation.
When he found his prey snatched from