The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-12-04
FORKING A CATAM0UNT.
Benjamin Cason's Encounter with Beast
That Terrified . settlement.

BENJAMIN Cason's Encounter with Beast
That Terrified = settlement.
A letter from Oquawka, ILL.,, 20 the Globe
Democrat thus recalls memorable encoun-
ter with catamount by Benjamin Cason,
an Illinois pioneer, who is still living in that
state: One moonlight night in the fall Of
80 the denizens neRr Cuttings Mounds were
frozen with horror by the awful screams OF,
as they supposed, a woman in terrible agony.
But when the plaintive bawling of cattle
and the squealing of pigs followed these
screams il was too evident TO all that wild
beast WAS making raid ON the cattle and
pig pens. Every one WAS too terrified 10
move. Suddenly, thump came heavy OBJ
iect on the clapboard roof of the cabin
where Cason and his companions slept.
This was followed by another unearthly
scream. The trembling inmates listened
breathlessly, and presently they heard
huge catamount leap 10 the ground. Look
ing out of the little window of their cabin
they espied the huge creature bounding
across the clearing in the moonlight, taking
immense leaps. II had young pig IN its
mouth.
There was little sleep that night for the
terrified people. But the next day Cason and
his companions resolved that the marauder
must die. They sent word into all the sur
rounding country 10 the effect that cata-
mount hunt would take place ON the forth
coming Friday. The day came, but, as few
people had lost any cat mounts, there were
but few warriors ON hand. Fifty brave men,
some with guns, others with clubs. and sew
.f.l.f Ea rN.II laaV ~
Two packs of wolf hounds, about forty
in ALL were also pressed into service and the
hunt began.
Ihe party had not proceeded far when the
dogs started the catamount, Muich seemed
10 have lair in the immediate vicinity.
The beast did not show fight nt irst, but re-
treated with long leaps into the timber. The
dogs followed, and in short time were en-
gagged in mortal combat with the big cat.
Mr. Carson says he never Witnessed more
terrific struggle. The savage beast fought
like wild-fre. He would thr himself
upon his back. and, catching a dog that
came too near his claws, would disembowel
the animal instantly. Five or six dogs met
death in this manner. Suddenly the big cat
took TO a tree and gared savagely at his
pursuers. His eyes glittered cruelty, while
the tail kept swaying restlessly. The guns
in the crowd were few, and they were OF poor
quality. A lew shots were nrtu nv tne unl-
NAL, but they only served TO increase its
frenzy.
WSuddenly Cason seized one of the pitch
forks in the hands of neighbor and ad-
vanced slowly toward the tree. His COM
panions at first were slow 10 comprehend
this movement. but soon they saw tnat
Cason meant 10 fight the cat single handed.
They implored him TO come back, as il
seemed To be certain death. Cason paid
no heed TO their appeals. however, but crept
up 10 within ten feet of the tree. Then he
stopped and held the pitchfork at ''charge
bayonets" position. The big cat looked
down at this dauntless man and Cason
looked at the big cat. For a minute a
painful silence held sway. Then the forest
rang with a scream that will never be for
gotten by those who heard it. The cuta-
mount sprang into the air. Instantly the
pitchfork WAS raised, aud Cason's cunning
eye never sweryed from its line of vision. II
was well-calculated jump on the cats
part, for the animal would have landed on
Casons shoulders. Before it reached its
intended victim, however, the three
tined fork had done It's work. The long
steel tines sank into the cats heart and "A
crimson tide told the story. With few
conyulsive struggles the huge animal died.