The Southern herald., 1888-09-15
TWO PLUCKY GIRLS.
How They Disposed Of a Dozen
Alligators.
A Thrilling Battle Between Bear and q
Band of Saurians-Narrow Escape
From an Awful Death.

Vida and Josie Bryan, the two twin
daughters of G. H. Bryan, one of the
Oldest settlers in this section, who lives
about two miles north of this station,
are Just now the heroines of this place.
These two girls, or young ladies rather,
as they are just beyond 'sweet six
teen," are bonny, buxom lasses, and as
well acquainted with the country as the
best hunters in it. They, too, are excel
lent shots, and as for hunting their rec
ord is something that Mr.. Bryan often
boasts OF. The girls take quiet hunt
very often, either on the river or in the
high hnmmocks so numerous around
here, and they put to shame many Of
the Nimrods or hunters by the fish and
game that they bring in.
just now the most exciting topic is a
stirring adventure which the girls had
the other day, and in which they came
off victorious, displaying great pluck
and bravery.
Friday last the two girls concluded
to take days hunt in the Great Au-
rantula Hummock, the upper edge Of
which touches the river some miles be-
low here Starting out early, they made
good progress, and by nine o'clock were
in the midst of the wild hummock.
During the forenoon they had good
luck-killing deer, wildcat, ton big
gray squirrels and several enormous
snakes. After taking MONDAY lunch
they decided to cross over Alligator
creek, a wide but shallow stream that
crosses the hummock, emptying into
the Withlacoochee.
Just before reaching the creek they
had to pass through dense canebrake
for several rods. When about half wa,
through one of their dogs, mat had lin
gered behind, came rushing uR yelp
ing Justify, Vale close on its heels wa4
a big black bear, fierce and ugly as i
Could be. The path was 50 narrow tina
they had no chance 10 aght the animal
and, in fact, the bear and dog came il
on them SO suddenly that little tim
was allowed for reflection. Miss JOSH
slung her rife around and fred at tn
beast, but in the confusion only wound
ed him. The girls then ran ahead, in
tending to get out onto the open eenl
by the waters edge, SO as I'd get fai
ground to battle old bruin. But the in
furiated animal, aroused to madness b
the rife ball, pursued them SO closel
that only scientific lodging saved ther
from close hug. Emerging from tn
{ path they noticed the dugoutus tocros
the creek lying right in front of then
and both of the girls, struck by tn
same idea, sprang into the boat, thei
impetus carrying it out into the creek
The dog was unable to get into the boa
but he bit at bruins heels so sharpl
that the latter had to stop his pursuit
the girls and endeavor to punish h
four-footed assailant. But the dog WI
too wary, and kept out Of his reacl
. the girls called him, and plunging in
swan out to them.
Meanwhile the hungry denizens OF u
creek, whose numbers gave 1t its nam
we're awakened by the tumult, and the
began to show themselves. As the dc
jumped in the splash attracted scor
Of the ugly reptiles from all direction
and the water was dotted by the blat
snouts of the hungry gators. The gir
: noticed this and called encouraging
TO their dog, who seemed to be full
aware of his danger. Several bla'
noses were already pointed in his dire
ton, and 1t looked as ii the 'gato
y might get meal. But Vida seiz
= the pole lying in the bottom of t
canoe, and by a skillful push sent t
y boat close to the dog. Josie was wa
. ing, and as the dog swan up she help
: him Chamber over the side, almost L
setting the frail vessel. And it W
lust in time, too, for just as the doi
legs slipped out of the water hu
pair Of jaws rose out Of the depths wi
an ominous snap. With a souse the d
appointed saurian sunk.
While this was going on Bruin sto
\ on the bank growing and snarling !
- potent rage at the dog and girls tn
escaping. Seeing the dog In the can
seemed to render him still more furio'
and, with deep growl, he dashed il
q the water and began swimming towf
" the boat. Between the bears and
gators the girls began to think tn
hands would be full. Vida picked
her gun and made snap shot at
b animal, but movement Of the dog
concerted her aim, and the load of bu
shot few to one side, only small NJ
Der striking the bear. But they
n. gered him the more, and witha snarl
almost leaped out OF the water in