The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-06-08

hausted. Rekin,lling his fire rs well rs he
could, he sat down hoping to rest, but not dar-
ing to 20 to sleep. The struggle, however,
had been too much for him, and, In his weak
ness, he unconsciously fell into sound sleep.
When he awokc the sun was shining high up
in the heavens, and burning fever had seiz-
cd his frame. lie could not risc-thc flesh OH
his limbs was swollen by the dreadful wounds
he had received, and being far from any hi-
man assistance, he began to feel that his last
days were approaching. Fortunately, as the
day advanced, he began to grow stronger, his
fever left him, and he attended to his wounds
us best he could.
Tie remained at the same place that night,
and the next day, feeling much refreshed, he
started for home. He could truvel but slowly,
for he was in no condition for such q task
On, OH ho patiently plodded his way, and,
when he supposed himself nenr his cabin, he
was astonished to find himself at the very
place whence he had started in the morning,
the place where he had stayed the two previ-
ous nights, and where he had encountered the
bear This was sirlnge circumstance, but
resting awhile, he started off again, and in the
course of few hours, found himself back TO
luis old quarters again He now made up his
mind ,hat he was clnphaticaly lost-yet he
resolved to make another effort and again start
ell forward. Night came, aud he knew not
where hc was-eyerything wns strange, for
he never been in those parts -and tired, iec-
bic, and sick, hc gave up. almost in despair.
In this condition Inc wandered about from
day TO day, camping wherever night overlook
linn, AMI sulsisting OF whatever he could find
suitable to cat. ExlIarstation ut length over
came him, aud he was compelled to be quiet.
lie made himself little slough house," and
prepared to rest. In this n week was passed,
but lic still was unable venture on his jourl,.
cy. lilo thought of his home, his wife, aud
his children -.hOw they would MISS him, aud
wonder ut his absence. lie felt that if they
knew his condition how he was "lOst in the
would at once fly to his rescue. But they
could not know, and us encll days sun went
down, they gazed into each others faces with
silent sOrrOw at the failure of Mr.. Adams to
return. But his wife and children had not
been lille IN searching for him, and many
were the miles travelled over OIL this mission.
One day, us Mat entered his little ''bOuglI
house," unusually weak, aud heart broken
feeling that he might never ugain leave IL
alive, his thoughts went back TO the various
scenes in his life. Ills liad been II liurd lot
Ills face aud hands were sln.brOwned AMI
hardened with tOil-but his heart had always
been generous, warm, and kind. Now, to
suffer so much to die alone in tho midst of n
wild dcscrt-it might he within n few miles
of his own home, where his little world exist
c,l-was too much for him to hear, and in
the midst of these reflections llo fell asleep. Ii
was refreshing slunlbcr in which llo rculiz
cd that dcliycrncc had come und so over.
ioyed was hc that he awokc. His awakening
was more joyful tlmn l,e had anticipated for
there, bending over him. as he opened his
eyes, lo saw his two sons, and heard them
softly whispcr-''Fathcr, is it you?' Deliy
cruncc had come! With a thrill of electric
Joy le bounded to his feet, and, weakened as
llc was, clasped them in his arms. and in a
strain of wild delight, cried, My children!"
He WIS carried TO his home, where open
arms and tender hearts were ready to receive
him. and where, with careful attention ami
nursing. Inc gradually recovered strength and
spirits. For years afterwards he delighted to
tell the story of his terrible bear fight, and Of
being ''los, in the pines" Mr. Adams died
aPu good old age, leaving many descendants
and relatives residing in South jersey. along
the coast, from Tuckcrton to Mays Landing.