Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-06-16
pADpy,s COON HUNTING.

Michael O'Rodger, who settled in this part Of
the country some years ago, lately received
an unexpected visit from his brother Pat, who
was direct from the sssod.'' Mike heartily
welcomed his brother and resolved to do ev-
erything in his power to make his visit an
greeable one. 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 a shillelah, and Immediately
led of in the direction of cornfield about
half a mile distant, where he assured Pat that
they would enjoy a rare evenings coon hunt
ing.
Tho night was too dark to distinguish the
objects of their search at any great distance,
but on entering the field and setting up a wild
yell they soon discovered by the rustlihg Of
the cornstalk. in various directions that they
had been successful in routing several of them
from their hiding places. Mikes keen eyes
were now fixed upon a large tree, which stood
a few yards distant, and he soon had the salts
faction of detecting object moving up its
trunk at a rapid rate. This he knew to be o
coon, and with a shout of joy he rushed to-
wards the tree, calling his brother to follow
up. In moment the two sportsmen were un.
der the tree. Mike prepared to climb, and d.
rected Pat how to act when the coon reached
the ground.
'He'Il be aither maxim great noise to get
away" said Mike, ssbut for your life don't let
him escape ye.'
ssOch, be off up the tree wild yes answered
Pat, fourishing his shillelah and evidently
growing impatient for the sport; "niver fear
but I'll put an ind 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 tho wild gaze of his bro
ther, when he paused moment to ascertain
in what part of the tree the coon had taken
| lodgings. While matters were in this state,
| the coon made a sudden move among the bran
| ches, which SO startled Mike that he unfortu-
nately let go his hold and fell headlong to the
| ground.
Pat supposing him to be the coon, rushed
| furiously upon him with his club, and COM
| menced that delightful operation of s.putting
an ind to him.
"Mu-ther, murther, - cried Mike, attempt
ing 10 raise TO MS 1eet, s'ln the name Oh SAINT
Patrick don't be afther batting me to DEATH"
.sYe needn't be givin' me any Nv yer dirty
excuses; shurc me brither tould me ye'd be-
afther maxim great noise to git away, but not
fut yen move out O. this alive.''
Mike now supposing his brother to be crazy,
| thought it time to make desperate struggle
for life (; so seizing Pat by the legs he sue
ceeded in throwing him to the ground, where
upon a rough and tumble fight commenced,
which lasted for some time without either of
the brothers uttering word. After violent
contest, however, Mike came off victorious,
Pat being completely subdued as to render
him helpless. But fearing it was all over with
him, he began to call Mike to hasten down the
tree and assist him, or the ssusly baste'' would
have his life.
BY this time Mike fully comprehended the
error into which his brother had fallen, and
commenced using every means in his power to
bring him to his senses, which after a great
deal of persuasion he succeeded in doing.
But the coon was allowad to escape unharm-
ed, as neither of the adventurers felt in hn--
NOR for continuing the hunt that night In
deed it was Pats first hunting scrape, and he
swore by all the saints it should be the last