Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-05-06
FIGHT WITH A BEAR.
An Adirondack Landlords Terrific
struggle for Life.

An Adirondack Landlords Terrfnc
struggle for Life.
FIR. Derby, thelandlord of the Pros
pect house, Saranac lake, was, says the
Troy Times the hero of very exciting
exploit, Friday afternoon. While driy-
ing from the Prospect house to Bloom
ingdale, in passing through the woods
he heard cries for help proceeding from
a ravine a few rods distant from the
road. Springing from the carriage and
running hastily to the the edge of the
rayine, Mr.. Derby saw an infuriated
bear raging around the trunk OF smaii
maple, eagerly trying to dlsiodge
Gardner Maloney, well known
Saranac guide, who had taken refuge IN
the branches Of the tree. With genuine
heroism Mr.. Derby drew his revolver,
a Smith & WessOn seven-shOoter, forty
four caliber, and rushed to the rescue.
Skilled in woodcraft, he was enabled 10
creep unobserved by the bear to within
a short range, when he opened nre on
the brute. The first fire took effect IN
the shoulder, and was quickly foiloWtu
by second that lodged in the bears
head.
The only effect of these was to dis
tract the attention and increase the Jury
of the bear, who abandoned the seige OF
Maloney and directed his attention TO
Mr.. Derby. He charged furiously upon
that gentleman, who coOlly discharged
two more shots with wonderful precision
at the head of the approaching brute,
and turning, beat a hasty retreat in the
direction of the road. The speed told
rapidly upon Mr.. Derby, who turns the
scales at 230 pounds, but he made a
tremendous effort to reach his team,
pair of spirited young horses, thinking
if he could once gain his seat in the
carriage, the team would afford safely.
Unfortunately, the horses. excited by
the firing, were on the alert and catch
ing sight Ofthe bear, ran furiOusly down
the road, leaving Mr.. Derby to settle
with the bear. Not moment was 10
be lost. The quick eye of Mr.. Derby
discovered a tree near by. Springlng
into il over branches, he reached point
of safely half dead from exhaustion.
The bear, bleeding prOfusely from
many wounds, was undaunted and ag-
gressive, and did not leave the enemy
long to arrange q new campaign, but
began the ascent of the tree. Mr.. Der
by drew a sheath knife, and, with that
in his teeth, prepared for a desperate
encounter. Discharging the three re-
manning shots of his revolver at the
head of the bear he seized the knife,
and, holding by limb with his left
hand, struck desperately at the fore
feet of the climber, nearly severing one
claw and cutting enormous gashes in
the animals shoulders and head. While
struggling for his life the limb by which
Mr.. Derby was holding broke, and he
was precipitated to the ground ten feet,
sustaining severe bruises and a badly
sprained shoulder. In his eagerneSs to
reach his foe the bear tumbled from the
tree also, and rushed at Mr.. Derby, who
had recovered his feet, and unable to re-
treat was awaiting the attack, his sheath
knife in hand. The bear arose on his
launches; and by adeXteriousthrus Dir.
Derly'skn f. was hiven straight through
his heart and the animal succumbed.
Mr.. Derby, suffered severe scratches
and loss of considerable blood. His
clothing was literally converted into
strings by the claws of the bear. Ex-
hausted and suffering from loss Ofblood,
Mr.. Derby was assisted by Maloney,
who witnessed the last Ofthe struggle,
to the house of John Howe.