Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1858-12-18
A Thrilling Bear Story.

Life S1Ued by a Dos.-A cOrresPon-
den, Of the he~I-bnrg Era, writing from
Nicholas County, Va, gives an incident
of most exciting nature, which occurred
there on the 6lh inst. Wm. T.. Barnett
went on hunting expedition, carrying a
dog with him. After being out short
time he shot large besr, breaking his
back and rendering his hinder limbs use
less. lie then advanced on tire anlmal-
knife in hand-lo dispatch him. The
letter says:-
The spot where the bear was shot, is
on the mountain side, Immediately above
the decay ed trunk of fallen tree. No
snoner had Mr.. B. nonnled the log in
reach of the bear. when he was trlPped
up, falling PROSTATE, his head down the
hill, his legs resting on the log The
bear then drew him up and commenced
gnawing and biting al an increased rapid
rate. Mr.. B. knowing his dangerous sit
ustion, tell that something for the better
must be did. Raising himself partially
up. in sitting posture, his right arm
snll graspng his knife, with which he
aimed al the head o( the bear several ei-
leclive blows one, however, missing his
mark, inAicung deep horizontal cash IN
his night leg, above the knee. So soon
as the bear, eager for revenge, discovered
this mistake, caught The wound in his
Jaws, tearing it horribly. Floally, MI
B. succeeded in disengaging himself,
while the bear verv nigh exhausted, re-
treated several Yards down the mountain
steep, where from the effects of the shot
and cuts, Instantly expired. Mr.. B.,
| f., lirg his almost helpless condition, and
fast growing weak from loss of blood, re-
solved in his weak state. 10 prove more
than conquerer, reloaded his gun the
fourth time. dragged himself down the
| Ihill, and shot his antagonist the second
time, the bpar being some moments dead
No further danger being possible from
this source, Mr.. Barnett was made 10 re-
| feet upon his situaiion-a distance OF tour
miles from any neighboring house, almost
dying-beyond the reach of human aid
rejecting thus, happy thought occurred
to his mind, which was, TO rend from Tie
bosom OF his new linen, strip containing
|Ihe buttons, which he cllmsoned IN his
own blood bound it around the neck oil
the dog, and endeavored, through gentle
means, TO persuade him TO leave him, and
90 tome md give The alarm. The dog
advanced few PAGES. and returned 10
his master licking his wounds, and how
ling most pileou>ly. Mr.. B. then took a
piece of his "hun,ing Shirt" attached il
to the neck Of the dog, also, and proceed
ed to strike him, which he had reIraIned
Grem doing, until he found il strictly me-
cessary to save his life. This, the sec.
ond lime, he was successful. Mr.. b.
fearing bis dog would not go directly
home, dragged himself up the mountain,
! in order to gain the summit, where, should
the dog fail, he might be heard haIloo
more plainly. The dog, however, was
faIhful, gave the alarm, but would no,
return, on account of the company going
2 contrary direction from his master. In
,he meantime, Mr.. John Butfman, tra-
ced the dog up mountain stream, whence
! lie had come. Arriving at the top, lie
distinctly heard Barnet haIIoo-procured
the assistance Of his friends, made haste
TO ,he spot, and conveyed Mr.. B. to his
home, almost inscnsible. Last accounts
he was very i'll, and not expected 10 sur
viVe.