Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-05-13
A Landlords StrugCle for Lie.

ID. *. Derby, the landlord of the Prospect
House, Saranac Lake. was the hero OF 4 very
exciting exploit recently. While driving
from the Prospect House to Boumimy,lalc.
III passing through the woods he heard cries
for help proceeding from Il ravinc Il few
rods distant from the road. Springing from
his carriage and running hastily to the edge
of the ravine, Mr. Derby SAW un infuriatc
bear raging around the trunk of IL small
tree, eagerly trying to disodge Gardner
Maloney, i Saranac guide. who had taken
refuge in the branches of the tree. With
genuine heroism Mr.. Derby drew his rcvul-
yer, Il Smith 4 WesSoN sevcn-shootcr, IL
callhre and rushed to the rescue. Skilled
in woodcrltt. he was enabled to creep. mn
observed by the bear, to within Il short
range when he opened fire upon the brute.
The first shot took effect in the shoulderand
WAS followed by 4 second that lodged in the
bears head The only effect of these was to
distract the attention and increase the fury
of the bear, who abandoned Maoney and
directed his attention to Mr.. Derby. He
charged lllriuusly upon that gentleman.
who coolly fired two shots with wonderful
precision 1T the approaching brute and
ton Of the road. The speed told rapidly
upon Mr.. Derby, who turns the scales at $50
pounds, but he made Il 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
safety. Unfortunately, the horses. excited
by the firing were on the alert, and catching
sight of the bear, ran furiously down the road
leaving Mr.. Derby to settle with the bear. Not
amomentw was to be lost. Mr. Derby discovered
atrec nearby. Springing to itslower branches
he reached point of safety half dead with
exhaustion. The bear, bleeding proftlselv
from many wounds. was undaunted and ag-
gressive, and did not leave his enemy long
to arrange Il new campaign. but began the
ascent of the tree. Mr.. Derby drew Il
sheath knife. and with that in his teeth. pre-
pared for desperate encounter. Dischar@-
in| the three remaining shots of his revolver
ut the head of the bear he seized the knife.
and holding by limb with his left hand.
struck desperately ut the fore feet of the
climber nearly severng one claw and cut
ting enormous gashes in the animals shout
ders and head. While struggling for his
life the limb by which Mr.. Derby was hold
ing broke, and he was precipitated to the
ground 10 feet, sustaining several severe
bruises and Il badly sprlincd shoulder. In
his cagerness to reach his foe the bear
tumhlcd from the tree also, and rushed at
Mr.. Derby, who had recovered his feet. and
unable to retreat, was awaiting the attack
his shcath-knife in hand The bear arose
on his launches, and by dextcrous thrust
Mr.. Dcrby's knife was driven str;li ght
through his heart and the animal succomb-
ed. Mr.. Derby suffered severe scratches
and loss of considerable blood. His cloth
ing was literally converted into strings by
the claws of the bear Exhausted and suf-
tcring from loss of blood, Mr.. Derby was
assisted by Maloncy, who had witnessed the
last Of the struggle, to the house of John
Howe. where he remained MalOncy rccov-
cred the runaway team, and Derby drove
to Bloomingdalc, where his wounds were
dressed by DIR. Wallian.-Troy Times.