The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-10-17
A MISSISSIPPI ADVENTURE.
BY 4 DACKwOODsMAN.

/ have often seen accounts of chair
breadth scrapes." in such cases. which
very wise people--who know nothing
about tin more civilized places, have
charged to the marvellous, but which we
OF the woods-at least many of us-know
10 be not only possible, but highly prob
able, and in some instances by sad expert.
ence. In illustration of which, l will Gu
deavor to describe an adventure of nv
own. In 1887 resided on the banks ol
the Mississippi, &c. w., as had done
from my infancy. Twas then, about GO
years ago. stout and athletic, and passion
ately fond Of wild scenery and sporting
adventures. The month Of October had
arrived-the great season for partridge and
deer-shooting; and in accordance with my
almost daily custom, l:a;i;cd out with my
fowling -piece-one barrel containinga ball
and the other with small shot. had sue.
ccedcd in bagging some small wares, and
in passing creek observed raccoon bust.
ly employed turning over the stones in
search of frogs, worms, Ne. Withou,
giving the matter much thought, sue.
cecded in removing "Ursa Minor" to an.
other, it not better world; and being
raher eorpulen. to ca-ry through the
woods, | hung him upon . sapling, in.
tending to send for him NIX: t.av; and as
the part of the country in which was did
not very of,en afford large game, l charged
the second barrel with shot also. had
proceeded perhaps mile, and was cross.
ing the outskirts Of a Tamarack swamp
through succession Of narrow and rocky
glens, with high and precipitous sides,
and had sprung from rather high rock
into rift Of not more than three feet wide,
when ! perceived the eyes of an immense
buck glariny at me at not over ten feet dis.
tance. A glance showed me that he had
no means Of escape except over myself
and aware Of the desperation Of this other.
wise timid creature, under such circum-
stances, and at this particular season,
formed my resolution-in an instant.
cooked both locks, placed my fingers on
the triggers, and resolved to wait his
spring, us / did not think my charges
would inure him except at the very muz,
ze. ! knclt upon one knee and watched
his eye. Alfthis took place in very few
seconds.
At length the launches and ears We're
drawn back. aud with tremendous snort
he bounded in tho air, with the evident
intention Of descending upon me. Quick
as lightning both barrels were discharged
full into his breast, and received shock
as if from u pile engine, which deprived
me Of all sensation. About three hours
after. as near as | could Judge by compar.
ing dates afterwards. i was brought to q
state Of partial scnsibility by something
licking my face, and something growing
and scratching my clothes; but being very
faint did not look up till enormous paws
tore flesh with them. Then, indeed. Ibid
look up when what was my horror I.
SEQ huge bear, coolly licking the blood
from my acenstcd breast. Weakness.
moro than self-poasession kept me still !
moment, while two half-grown cubs We're
tearing and scratching my legs and feet
The desperation Of the case aroused me
~ sudden energy, and slowly stretched
my lrf' ha,d ('av right arm was brrk-r