, 1877-01-19

hills OF New hampshire NneTe ne leu'
the first eighteen years of his life. And
many interesting and amusing incidents
were crowded into these years, one of
which. my dear young readers, l shall
relate for your diversion.
From his cradle he had learned to be-
heve that prowling wolves and prowling
bears lived somewhere among those
hills, and yet up to the age of II he had
seen nothing but the picture of wild
animal. He lived in hopes, however.
of some day exercising that boldness
and bravery which were among his
characteristics. For, with this shadow
ever hanging over him, he had educated
himself to the highest standard of cOur-
age and intrepidity, also studying the
habits and natures of various animals.
There were none he dreaded so much
as the catamount. When l say dreaded,
I do not wish it to be inferred that he
would try to avoid them; on the con-
trary, he was ever on the alert to find
them. 1t was their cat-like, stealthy,
treacherous nature that he despised.
he would much rather have paw-to-
paw tussle tas he termed it) with bear.
"But beggars must not be choosers."
Although giving little credenee to the
exaggerated stories Of me ne1ghDorS
hood, there was shadow of a reason
for believing that catamounts or pan
theirs inhabited those regions. Once or
twice, while engaged in doing his even
ing chores at the barn, he had heard a
yell or squall in the distance, which he
well knew was foreign to the barn-yards
Of that locality, and which at once sug-
gested these animals. The nearest set
Element to his fathers home was some
six miles distant, reached only by two
roads-the main road winding along the
, base Of the mountain; the other mar
row one which cut through it, making
the distance shorter. 1t was seldom
patronized, however, on account of its
Wildness, the steep ascents on either
side looking very suspicious and forbid
dina.
Returning from, mill late one after
noon, with his two bags Of grist in front
Of him on his horse, he ventured to
turn into this short cut, cherishing the
hope at the same time that his .suspi-
cions might be verified, and that he
might go home with a true story. He
had gone,abOut q mile when suddenly
Dolly sears hew back, and then as quick
y straightened themselves out like flags
Of distress. He remembered hearing his
father say that the pricking of Dolly's
ears was enough warning when danger
was at hand. he watched and, waited
so long for that sign, and now that it
bad come it sent thrill of terrible Joy
through him, and then he bethought |
himself Of his recklessness, for he had |
not a thing, with which to defend him
self Still he did not, coward Like, put |
heel to his horse; he just Strengthened
himself in his saddle, letting Dolly take
her own gait, while he scanned either /
side of him. At first his ear caught |
sound of cautious rustling; his eyes
instantly turned in the direction from |
which it came. As have said before,
be was acquainted With the habits of
Wild animals only theoretically. The
quietness and silence which prevailed |
convinced him at once that catamount |
or panther Il believe they are one and |
the same grandfather always called |
them eatamounts) was near, and might /
at any moment pounce upon him. Keep |
ing his eyes upon the spot whence the
rustling issued, he saw q sleek, gray
creature steal slyly from a thick clump !
Of wood and underbrush. 1t turned as
if to spring
Quick as thought be off with his cap,
whirled it, then tossed it high in the
air, feeling sure that the movement
would distract its plans; You will say
that you see no bravery in this. Yes,
butWas there not cunning and fore
thought? Does it not show that in any
emergency he would be cool, and not
coWardly2 he admitted, however, that
in this instance he was foolhardy. for
he had rushed right into danger un-
guarded, and had It not been for his cap
he would have had nothing to aid him
in his strategy. After riding safe dis
lance. he ventured to look back, and,
sure enough, there in the dim light and l.
distance, he saw something being pretty
roughly handled lby nvely-looking
beast. which he had no reason 70
doubt was his can.
This was enough. He put heels %
Dolly, Who seemed 10 take In her Young
masters feelings, for there vas no let up
70 her until lhe brought him nafoly
around 70 he hack door.
'Lnke he hags quickIr naii ~ d his
i.Lhar. uho clms oui d a1Iisf him.
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