The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1884-04-18
HOW THE BEAR WAS TRAPPED

HOW THE BEAR WAS TRAPPED.
A True Story.
A schoolboy a 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 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 a deserted log hut, known as
"McPheter Camp" they had discov-
cred signs of bear-his tracks, and the
spot where he had lain down among the
tall dead grasses.
Lets 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 6inging 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, Dick?'' and Will kicked
a tangled mass of iron from corner
into the sunshine.
Dick eyed it moment. "Aha-it's
bear trap" said he.
''Well, we aUiU catch him, now," said
Will, triumphantly.
1.-The old thing too rusty and weak, y"
Dick pronounced finally. after examin-
ing it. 'Twouldnt hold bear''
''Oh, let's just set it, anyhow, and
tvy," 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 Will.
81 really think we haven't time. not
tonight, WIN, 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
"Very WE'LL" laughed Dick, good
naturally, "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 and 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 a moose; but before they were with
in range he turned to run.
"Fire, WHIP shouted Dick.
The report of two guns echoed from
the woods about, while the moose, with
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 a trail
that passed the McPheter's camp; and
they jokingly turned that way to see if
anything had happened there.
'If that doughnut isn't gone, I'm
going to eat it" murmured Will. '1'm
awful hungry"
81 doubt that the birds and squirrels
have left any till this time,'' said Dick
ga large bird, or a gray squirrel
would get caught, if they touched it,
wouldn't they?" questioned VIII hope
fully;
rusty-but hush--there's the camp.
Surprising 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 start.
There was big bear sitting bolt
upright, with his forepaws hanging,
right before the window. He had evil
IDENTIFY heard the sound of their APP
proach, and was looking around for
them. Dick gave one long, but wary
look. Then he shouted:
Cali right, Will. He's caught! The
doughnut did itp'
For a moment the boys stood looking |
out of the window, and the bear sat |
locking in. 1t was too much for bruin
that gaze of exultant victory. He |
struggled a moment with the trap, then, |
with one vigorous leap, he cleared him |
self and went head and shoulders into
that window.
Dick sprang for a hole in the low
roof, and VIII dashed out of the door.
He had just time TO shut it behind him
before the bear came humping against
it.
1t were hard to say who was hunter
and WHO was hunted just then. Will
was outside, but virtually the bears
captive, as he stood braced back against
the door. Dick was creeping about on
the rotten, creaking roof. The bear
was inside, vigorously snuffing about
for his enemies. He repeatedly tried
the door, but it failed to open. He
growled up the hole in the roof at Dick,
but couldn't reach him. There they
were, three very uncomfortable parties.
At last the boys heard the sound of
rafting glass again; evidently the bear
was going to try the hunt outside. VIII
made frantic endeavor to open the
door, but he had pushed so hard that
now it stuck. He got it open at last,
and peeped in, just at the instant when
the bear came round the corner. This
was the situation now: VIII was lock-
ing in after the bear, the bear bad come
round after VIII, and Dick, on the roof,
was trying to get good sight at the
bear without Slipping off. By holding