Signal-Copiahan. (Hazlehurst, Copiah County, Miss.) 1885-1888, 1886-03-11
,oIn. Thi. stage o, tho ssht lasted

for some time, but as tho strength OF
the two began 10 oozo their unearthly
screams seemed to pass down the ga
nut until they had nearly reached the
subducd sobs around dcath.bed.
Suddenly both becanic silent. EVIDENT
ly the cat had encountered ficw sYs-
tenn OF tactics, and although lighting
with such lightning swiftncss, he
seemed to haze had some very rapid
thoughts upon the subject, and had
formed his conclusions. As suddenly
Ms the noise ceased the cat stepped
back pace. My conclusions for the
moment was that the cat had been
whipped, but not so. Tom reached
his back and slowly elevated his tail.
He poised it for moment, and then
commenced to wave tho black flag at
its end. The arch slowly passed from
his back, and with dcath-likc silence he
lowered himself to n crouchinS posi-
ton. and there remained to gather
breath.
The coon In the meantime lay on his
back; but after recupcrating little he
seemed to conclude that he had van.
quishcd his foe, and made o sudden
turn to his feet.
This was the opportunity Tom was
awaiting. One strong, lightning leap
brought him upon the coon's back, and
in an instant his fangs were deeply inn
bcddcd In the back Of the coon's neck.
The movement was performed 20
quickly that the coon had not time to
drop to his fighting position on his
back. He tried II all the same. but II
would not answer. Tom held on, and
they rollcd and tumblcd. The coon
rose 10 his hind feet, shook himself aud
fairly screamed. Toms articulation
was almost inaudiblc, and he was hug
ging the coon with all four legs with
dcath.likc tcnacity. The coon repeat
cdly, with all known tactics, cndeay-
ored to dislodgc his adversary.
Each attempt was weaker than the
last, for the weight Of the cat and the
deadly fangs firmly planted and as
firmly held in the neck were fast telling
the tale. The coon's strength OF body
and Of voice had descended from u
high c to basso profundo cultural.
lie finally ceased his struggles, and
mildly and quietly stretched himself
upon the burning earth. The stcamy
fog almost obsured them from view.
But there they lie, the cat embracing
the coon, spooning him rs child docs
his mate in cold bed.
wondered what Toms next move
would be. He dared not let 20 to COM
mence any new scheme Of tactics.
They liz only few feet from the pool
Of water. Now or never was Toms
opportunity for strategic movement.
He was gaining strength while his al.
vcrsary was breathing slowly and
heavily. but spasmodically. As his
conclusions broke fully upon his mind.
he quietly released his leg grasp. and
suddenly bounded with his prey for the
pool, and down they both went. They
were out Of sight for n moment, but
Tom came up first, and took com.
manding position on the bank. The
coon came to the surface, and kccnly
did Tom watch for any warlikc demon.
stra,ion, but none came, for the coon
was in deaths last grasp. i spoke
kindly and encouragingly to old Tom,
and picked him up wet and bloody.
One eye had left It's socket and was
hanging by thread. Iplayed oculist
by clipping it of with my knife.
Gslcd the coon out just as Sam
hove in sight.
Gal" who had nearly danced his
legs of around the seat Of war, was. as
Sam came up, having a iirst-class mat
inee over the body Of the dead coon.
All Sam could say as he rounded to
was: Fore dc Lord. fore dc Lord"
Said l: "Sam. this cat killed the
coon; It was not the dog"
handed Sam the cat 70 carry, for
Tom was very weak. He also shoul.
dercd the coon. He trlldgcd along back
toward the train. Sam said nothing
for long while. Finally said he:
"Boss, does You want dis cat9"
"No, Sam, l have no use for coon
cat"
"Wcll," said he, ''docs you want a
dog?"
"No. am not buying"
As wc ncarcd the train, Sam re.
marked: "Wcll, rso gwinc to sell dis
dog. DE cat will do for me. Inever
fot dis dog was good for muffin. any.
how"
/ took the train and Sam marched oil
with his coon aud cat.-COr. Turf,
| PieM and Farm,