St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1888-08-18
TWO PLUCKY GIRLS.
How They Disposed Of a Dozen
Alligators.
A Thrilling Battle Between a Bear and a
Band of Saurians-Narrow Escape
From an Awful Death.

Vida and Josie Bryan, the two twill
daughters of G. H. Bryan, one of tn
oldest settlers in this section, who live
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 az
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 otter
boasts of. The girls take a quiet hunt
very often, either on the river or in the
high hummocks 50 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 q
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 Hammock, 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 hummcck.
During the forenoon they had good
l,,al III ~, y.
gray squirrels and several enormous
snakes. After taking a MONDAY lunch
they decided to cross over Alligator
creek, 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 way
through one of their dogs, that had lin
gered behind, came rushing up, yelp-
ing Justify, while close on it's heels was
o big black bear, fierce and ugly as it
could be. The path was so narrow that
they had no chance to fight the animal,
and, in fact, the bear and dog came in
on them so suddenly that little time
was allowed for reflection. Miss Josie
slung her rife around and fired at the
beast, but in the confusion only wound
cd him. The girls then ran ahead, in
tending to get out onto the open bank
by the waters edge, SO as to get fair
ground to battle old bruin. But the in
furiated animal, aroused to madness by
the rifle ball, pursued them SO closely
that only scientific lodging saved them
from close hug. Emerging from the
path they noticed the dugout used to cross
the creek lying right in front of them,
and both of the girls, struck by the
same idea, sprang into the boat, their
impetus carrying it out into the creek.
The dog was unable to get into the boat,
but he bit at bruins heels so sharply
that the latter had to stop his pursuit of
the girls and endeayor to punish his
four-footed assailant. But the dog was
too wary, and kept out of his reach;
the girls called him, and plunging in he
swan out to them.
Meanwhile the hungry denizens of the
creek, whose numbers gave it it's name,
were awakened by the tumult, and they
began to show themselves. As the dog
jumped in the splash attracted scores
of the ugly reptiles from all directions,
and the water was dotted by the black
shouts of the hungry gators. The girls
noticed this and called enoouragingly |
30 their dog, who seemed to be fully |
aware OF his danger. Several black |
noses were already pointed in his direc-
ton, and it looked as if the gators
might get a meal. But Vida seized |
the pole lying in the bottom OF the
canoe, and by skillful push sent the
boat close to the dog. Josie was wait
ing, and as the dog swan up she helped
him Chamber over the side, almost up
setting the frail vessel. And it was
Just in time, too, for just as the dogs
legs slipped out of the water huge
pair OF jaws rose out of the depths with
IN omtnous snap. With souse the dis
appointed saurian sunk.
While this was going on Bruin stood
On the bank growing and snarling i'm
potent rage at the dog and girls thus
escaping. Seeing the dog in the canoe
seemed to render him still more furious,
and, with deep growl, he dashed into
the water and began swimming toward
the boat. Between the bears and the
gators the girls began to think their
hands would be full. Vida picked up
her gun and made snap shot at the
animal, but movement of the dog dis
her aim, and the load of buck