The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-23

ueasC bad uasneQ through tho window
holding Eva In his teeth.
OH he ran with all his speed toward the
highest mountain reak, while the cries of
the little one Came back to tho ears of the
half-frantic father.
And now the monster began its ascent,
bearing it's precious burden. Onward il
went and upward, climbing forward, as
rocks towering above rocks arose to oh.
struct his pathway All this time it kept
up lts fearful bowling, and for time the
walls OF the child were heard; but they be.
came fainter and fainter, until the sound
could no longer be distinguished. At
length it disappeared from view behind a
julting ledge.
| When the intention of tho animal was
flrst made apparent, kind of terror seized
upon every heart, and a cry OF agony burst
from every lip. And well might they have
shuddcrcd; for they now knew full well
that the fcrocous animal was she bear,
ana That she was carrying the child to her
eyric den as food for her cubs
| For time the father had stood with face
blanched with DESPAIR, and with form
trembling like the Drowned leaves which
still clung to the trees around him. But
that weakness was only momcntary, for
he became again the invincible father;a and,
| with the speed Of al antelope, he rushed
for the cliffs, his eyes fixed upon the point
where the bear had disappeared with his
| loved darling.
10 any but the father, and to him under
any other circumstances the journey would
not only have been weary, but almost an
impossible one. But the anxious parent
paused not for an instant. Indeed, he
seemed TO gain new strength and courage
at every step. Now fearful rocky ledge
would obslruct his way, but he would
mount upward, making ladder Of the
frall twigs which hung to their Sides Ou-
waId anu upward until tho giddy height
upon which he stood was horrible to con
template. But he did not look back. His
Child was further on.
And now the point was reached where
the bear was last seen.
AT this instant strange sound fell upon
the ais OF the father. At first it was only
the cry OF child. Then, mingling with
it, came The fierce gfowl of the she bear,
and following this the yelping of cubs.
On, what agony filled the fathers bosom
at that moment! Could it be possible that
the rNvenous beasts were already in the
act OF dcvouring his treasured
Dick sank upon the solid rock, while the
persplralion rolled in streams from his face
and body A blindness came over him,
and be lett himselt unable to move.
Then came voice from below. It ex-
claimed: Courage, Dick. I'll be with
you soon, anc will yet save your child
Child childl' murmured Dick as he
ata, sha t.d Hn Yes mnst not give away to
and eau hear her voice even now
The poor father became strong again.
lie moved forward Il few steps, aud paced
around point of rock, from behind which
came the sounds. - ..--'-.... .-.
n terrible SIGHT met his gaze!
A little girl was lying upon her back up
On the rock. The monster was near her,
holding her down with one of his huge
paws, which rested upon her breast. The
little one had ceased her strupglings,
evidently IN despair, and was now sobbing
az If its poor heart was broken. The bear
was bleeding profusely, and had evidently
fallen from exhaustion. The bullets which
had been sent into Der body had given her,
no doubt, her mortal wound; but she was
tenacious of life, and could accomplish
much after that wound was received, but
before her lite was yielded. Like the
parent who now sought his daughter, tic
first thought of the bear was tor her young,
and even in her dying agony she clung to
The food she had brought them.
Only few feet higher up were the cubs.
They saw the mother, and they appeared
to anticipate great feast, for they were
struggling to reach it, while they lifted
their oung voices In chorus with that Of
their parent.
Dick knew that he must save his chlld
soon or it would be too late. Soon he re-
solved to creep us near as possible tc the
monster, and then sp ing upon her with
his knife; for, in his haste and excitement,
he had dropped his rifle.
Just as he was moving toward, the bear
turned, and their eyes met. Tho diving
beast uttered terrific howl and then
looked down at her victim. Then she
glanced at her own cubs, and again toward
Dick, Her expression seemed to say:
You will have no mercy on my young,
why should have vi on yours2'
1t was dreadful suspense for Dick.
lie was satisfied that the bear could live
only few moments. But what might not
occur in those moments7 A single blow
with her huge paw and his darling would
be torn INTO fragments. A movement up
on his part might cause the blow to fall.
The hunter becomes 80 accustomed to
the various animals with which he comes
in contact that he can almost read their
ve1y thoughts. Their actions can nearly
always be interpreted correctly. So was
1t with Dick now. He saw the intentions
of the bearT and knew that his own actions
must be prompt and powerful, or it would
be too late.
He clutched his knife ami with his arm
nervcd with desperation, hopes, and a
fatherly love, he sprapg directly at the
throat Of the monster, who recc vcd him
with tremendous howl and with mouth
wide open.
Had the beast boon uninjurcd tho strug-
gle would have been of short duration, for
the odds between man and grlzz bear
would be as great as that between lion
| and mouse. But tho monster was now
dying, and death was near. She retained
all her courage and will, but not her
strength.
Dick gave her several rapid blows with
his knife. She groancd almost as human