St. Landry democrat., 1884-05-03
HOW THE BEAR WAS TRAPPED.
A True Story.

A True Story.
A schoolboy few weeks since told
me of an amusing encounter that he ane
his brother had just had with bear. I
was at Thanksgiving time, and they
were enjoying the few days vacation il
hunting in the Maine woods. The 10.
cality, to be exact, was the north side
of Roach River, about halfway from
the first pond to where the stream
empties into Moosehead Lake.
Near q deserted log hut, known as
McPheter's Camp" they had. discov-
cred signs of a bear-lis tracks, and the
spot where he had lain down among the
tall dead grasses.
:" Let's stay here all night and watch
for him, said Willie-Willie was the
one who related the adventure to me.
That wouldn't be right; for they're
looking for us at home" replied his
brother Dick to this somewhat tempting
invitation. Besides there might not
come bear here again for week.
''Well, let's rest here few minutes
anyway said Willie
Opposite the door of the hut was its
one window, the glass so covered with
cobwebs that very little light came
through. 1t was dark enough in there
for bears den-he might, in fact, be
in there. But dinging the door wide open,
the boys ventured in. There was a yisi-
bic movement at the window, but it
proved to be only three or four great,
gray spiders hurrying to their cOverts
from the unwonted light.
whats this, Dick?" and Will kicked
tangled mass of iren from corner
into the sunshine.
Dick eyed it moment. ''Aha-it's
bear trap said he.
well, we UiN catch him. noW,'' said
Will, triumphantly.
The old things too rustRand weak
Dick pronounced finally, aster examin-
ing it. 'Twouldn't hold 8 bear
''Oh, let's just set it, anyhow, and
tTy," coaxed Will
After repeated efforts, in which VIII
got caught himself or, rather, his boot
= they got the huge iron Jaws wide open.
and the trencher in place.
Next thing we must shoot something |
for bait. said VIII.
g really think we haven't time, not
tonight, VIII, said Dick. s.See! it's
almost sunset, and we are two miles
from home through the woods. =
well, then, I've got two doughnuts
left. Let's put them on.
Very WELL" laughed Dick, good 7
naturedly, If you can wait for your
supper
SO the trap, with doughnut tied to
The trencher, was placed few feet lust
the cabin where any one within
could plainly see it from the window.
The chain was made fast, and the other
1oughnut broken to bits and scattered
about.
The next morning the boys were early
IN the tramp, in order to visit shallow
1ond some three miles eastward, where
hey expected to find moose. After
lptoing about and impatiently watch
ng the shores till afternoon, thev did
ZEE moose; but before they were with
n range he turned to run.
Fire, Will!'' shouted Dick.
The report of two guns echoed from
ne woods about, while the moose, with
sudden bound or two, disappeared :
'mong the trees. They could hear the
reat creature crashing through the
Toods, and they hurried on in pursuit. . !.
fter going about mile they lost track !
him, and they gave it up, as neither !
ad detected any token that the animal !
vas hurt.
The chase had led them near a trail
lat passed the McPheter's camp; and : !
ley iokingly turned that way to see if y
nything had happened there. J,
III that doughnut isn't gone, I'm : :
Ding to eat it, = murmured VIII. sim y
wful hungry $
Il doubt that the birds and squirrels I
ave left any till this time, . said Dick. J.
"a large bird, or a gray squirrel
ould get caught, if they touched it, i
ouldn't they?" questioned VIII hope y
lily.
Perhaps if the old trap wasn't SO
sty-but hush-theIe the camp. 81
Imposing we keep behind it and go in A