The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-04-23
HOW THE BEAR WAS TRAPPED

A True Story.
A schoolboy few weeks since told
me Of an amusing encounter that he and
his brother had just had with bear. 1t
was at Thanksgiving time, and they
were enjoying the few days vacation in
hunting in the Maine woods. The To-
cality, 70 be exact, was the north side
of Roach River, about halfway from
the first pond TO where the stream
empties into Moosehead Lake.
Near deserted log hut, known as
"MoPheter's Camp" they had discov-
cred signs of bear-his tracks, and the
spot where he had lain down among the
tall dead grasses. n,
Lets stay here all night and watch
for him." said Willie Willie was the
one who related the adventure to mo.
"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 a bear here again for week"
"Well, let's rest here q 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 tlinging the door wide open,
the boys ventured in. There was visi-
BILE movement at the window, but it
proved TO be only three or four great,
gray spiders hurrying to their coverts
from the unwonted light
"What's this, Dickp' and Will kicked
a tangled mass OF iron from a corner
into the sunshine.
Dick eyed II moment. "Aha-it's q
bear trap" said he.
'Well, we wiu catch him, now," said
viii, triumphantly.
"The old things too rusty and weak"
Dick pronounced finally, after examin-
ing it. "'Twouldn't hold bear"
"Oh. let's Just set it, anyhow, and
try" coaxed Will
After repeated efforts, in which Will
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 Win.
81 really think we haven't time, not
tonight, VIII, said Dick. "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"
Every WELL" laughed Dick, good
naturedly, "if you can wait for your
supper"
So the trap, with doughnut tied to
the trencher, was placed few feet Just
outside the cabin where any one within
could plainly see it from the window.
The chain was made fast, and the other
doughnut broken to bits aud scattered
about.
The next morning the boys were early
on the tramp, in order to visit a shallow
pond some three miles eastward, where
they expected to find moose. After
tiptoing about and impatiently watch
ing the shores till afternoon, they did
see moose; but before they were with
in range he turned to run.
"Fire, Willr shouted Dick.
The report OF two guns echoed from
the woods about, while the moose, with
a sudden bound or two, disappeared
among the trees. They could hear the
great creature crashing through the
woods, and they hurried on in pursuit.
After going about mile they lost track
of him, and they gave it up, as neither
had detected any token that the animal
was hurt.
The chase had led them near. trail
that passed the McPheter's camp; and
they jokingly turned that way to see II
anything had happened there.
'If that doughnut isn't gone, I'm
going to eat it, " murmured Will. "Pm
awful hungry"
II doubt that the birds and squirrels
have left any till this time" said Dick.
"a large bird, or a gray squirrel
would get caught, II they touched It,
wouldn't they" questioned win hope
fully.
"Perhaps-if the old trap wasn't so
rusty-but hush-there's the camp. |
Supposing we keep behind it and go in
until we see If there's anything in the
trap"
They opened The door softly, and
moved lightly in toward the window.
The first glance gave them o start.
There was a big bear sitting bolt
upright, with his forepaws hanging,
right before the window. He had evil
IDENTITY heard the sound OF their ap-
proach, and was looking around for
them. Dick gave one long, but wary
look. Then he shouted:
GAIL ripht. Will. He's cau0btt Tho
doughnut did itp' :
For a moment the boys stood looking
out Of the window, and the bear sat
looking in. 1t was too much for bruin
that gaze Of exultant victory. He