Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-18

y MANS FIGHT WITH PANTHER. - We
find the following in the Sherbrooke, p q,
Ga-ene. II true it shows that the danger
from wild beasts is not altogether past even
in our country:
In the early morning of April 18th,
Thomas Peggington, OF East Richtord, n
company with his dog, started for his sugar
place for the purpose of gathering his buck
cts. W hen ABOUT hall way-the sugar bush
IL situated nearly two miles from his house
in lonely place between two hills he
heard something scream, which ho at first
took to be the voice Of woman in distress,
and he was about to call out in reply, when
he suddenly heard the brush crack in front
OF him, and to his horror discovered huge
panther standing upon Il projecting ledge
not thirty iett from where he was standing.
Being totally unarmed, he knew not what
to do, and could only stand gazing help
lessly at the animal, expecting each instant
that he would spring upon him. The brute,
however. seemed in no way inclined to at
tack him but seemed mainly to be occupied
with the dog, which all this time had
been standing at the foot of the cliff fur
iously barking at it. For several minutes
matters remained thus. when suddenly the
beast aroused ID action. Lashing its sides
with its tail he gave vent to the most say
age growls and prepared to spring upon
the dog, which, not seeming to realize the
danger. kept on barking. Suddenly there
was a spring. II rush OF Il huge body through
the air, veil Of despair from the dog, a
short struggle. and in less time than 1t
takes to tell it the unfortunate canine was
torn into pieces. For a moment the savage
beast gazed at the remains of the dog. and
then turning his attention to Mr.. Pegging
ton, erouched. and with a low grOwl of
rage, prepared to spring Our hero thought
his hour had come this time, certain. but
fortunately for him his presence of mind
did not attorly forsake him. As the PAN
Tiers body shot through the air toward
him. ho quick. as thought. threw himself
forward Hat on his face. allowing the beast
to pass over him. SprInging to his feet he
sclzed stone near by, and in shear
desperation hurled it at his assailant just as
he was about to make his second spring.
As good luck would have it, it struck the
beast full between the eyes. and for mo
ment completely stunned it. Following up
his advantage, he seized a club near at hand
and sprang at his foe. but by this time the
panther had recovered from his momentary
stupOr, and maddened by the blow it had It
celyed, sprang at the man with tenfOld fury.
rs tue hnlulhl Ctult on He htteUpltu 10
dodge a. before. but this time his nimble
antagonist was too quick for him, and as it
came on one paw HIT mis- shoulder, tearing his
coat. decorating the flesh and knocking him
over. lie. however, managed TO seize one
Of the legs of the animal. and together they
rolled over and over upon the ground, which
was dyed with the blood of both. At last
they III some manner managed to roll over
precipice 20 feet high, and that is the
last Mr.. PegglngtOn remembers until
aroused by rain drops falling in
his face. with considerable difficulty
he managed To arise to sitting
posture. SAW by the sun that it was high
noon. and that he III lst have lain insensible
for some hours. With great difficulty and
untold suffering he succeeded IN reaching
the path, where he was discovered shortly
alter by his son. Who had been sent into |
the woods with his fathers dinner. san
mOning aid, the boy had him conveyed to |
the house. lie IL badly bruised and his
recovery IL dOubtlHl, ~ 1t Is thought that |
he has sustained internal injuries by his |
fall over tho ledge. What became of the |
panther it l. impossible to tell it is thought |
that being himself badly bruised by the |
fall he lett without flushing his victim. |
TIE scene OF the struggle has been visited by |
scores, AMI many more are in the tJrest |
searching for the panther. Ii is the only |
animal OF it, species seen in these parts
since 1851, ut which time ono was shot by a
hunter named Patrick Pump
What are yoI doing now, Alexis ?" is |
the cable message daily received by the |