The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-05-25
PADDY'S COON HUNTING.

An lrlShman OF our acquaintance named Mlchael
O'Rodger, who settled in this country years
ago. lately received an unexpected visit from his
brother Pat, who was direct from the ''sod.' Mike
heartily welcomed his brother, and resolved to do
everything in his power to make his visit an
agreeable Accordingly, at the end of the
second day after Pats arrival, which had been
spent by them in general carousal, Mike armed his
brother with shielah, and Immediately led off
in the direction of a cornfeld about half a mile
distant, where he assured Pat that they Wonld
enjoy a evenings coon hunting"
The night was too dark to distinguish the OBJ
ects of their search at any great distance but
terng the field and setting up wild YELL they soon
discovered by the rustlng of the corn-stalks in
various direction that they had been successful in
routing several Of them from their hiding places.
Mikes keen eyes were now fixed upon large tree,
which stood few yards Distant and he soon had
the satisfaction ofdeecting object moving up its
trunk at rapid rate. This he knew to be a coon,
and with the shout of joy he rushed towards the
tree, calling his brother to follow up. In mo-
ment the two sportsmen were under the tree. Mike
prepared to climb, and directed Pat how to act
when the coon reached the ground.
"I1e'll be atther making great noise to get
away" said Nike" 'but for your life don't let
him escape ye"
''Och be off up the tree wild yc,' answered Pat,
hourishing his shilelah, evidently growing inn a.
to him when he comes down."
Mike now commenced climbing the tree with
all possible haste, and succeeded very well in the
ascent until he reached the first branches, and
became hid from the wild gaze of his brother,
when he paused moment to ascertain in what
part of the tree the econ had taken lodgings.
While matters were in this state, the made a
sudden move among the branches, which so star
tied Mike that he unfortunately Let 90 his hold and
fell headong to the ground.
Pat, supposing him to be the coon, rushed furi-
ously upon him with his shillelah, and commenced
that delightful operation of putting an end to him.
'Murthcr murther" cried Mike, attempting
to raise to his feet, Gin the name of St. Patrick
don't be atther batting me to death"
aye needn't be giyin any Nv yer dirty ex-
cuses shure me brither tould me ye'd be afther
maxim great noise to git away, but not fut yell
move out O this alive"
Mike, now surprising his brother to be crazy,
thought it time to make Desperate struggle for
life so selling Pat by the legs, he succeeded in
throwing him to the ground whereupon a rough
and tumble fight commenced, which lasted for
time without either Of the brothers uttering a
word.
After violent contest, however, Mike came off
victorious, Pat being so completely subducd so as
to render him helpless. But fearing it was all
over with him. he began to call wildly for Mike to
UoH Tree ana aSSlSC mia, Or ugly
bast' would have his life.
BY this time Mike fully apprehended the error
into which his brother had fallen, and commenced
using every means in his power to bring him to his
senses, which, after great deal Of persuasion, he
succeeded in doing
But the coon allowed to escape unharmec
as neither of the adventures felt in hulnor for
continuing the hunt that night. Indeed, it was
Pat first hunting scrape, and he swore by all the
saints it should be the last