Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-02-25

8
long deprivation OF his expected sup
per, he seemed about to dash into the
hollow log and help himself
Up to this time, although consideraA
bly, agitated by an experience SO unu-
sual, had felt in no fear for my life; but
now, my only means of defense having
failed me, 1 began to think that my
last hour had come, and as the eager
animal, gradually lashing himself to a
fury, became more and more bold in
his advances, 1 kept on frantically
swapping the flint and yelling at the
top of my voice, determined to stave
off the catastrophe as long as possible.
But my fierce assailant had become
used to my impotent rawlings, and his
ugly head was actually darkening the
mouth of my retreat when 1 heard only
few rods away the most welcome
sound which has ever in the course of
long life greeted my ears. 1t was
the short, sharp bark of Hector.
''Sic him-sic him, Hector!" shouted,
in paroxysm of delight.
And then I sadly recollected that the
animal was only sheep-dog, and
would probably turn tail the moment
he caught sight of the panther.
But did the noble fellow a great in
Justice Or underestimate the influence
of his backwoods training, for with
out a seconds hesitation he dashed
right in and began to snap at the heels
of his terrible foe.
The agile beast turned like a flash,
| and attempted to seize his puny antag-
onist, but Hector was nearly as quick
at he, and lodged safely behind tree.
Then, when the now furious panther
| made toward me again, the brave little
! collie once more nipped him.
| But this time the panther was pre-
pared for the assault, and, wheeling
with incredible swiftness, he made one
tremendous vaulting leap, and came
| down on poor Hector before he corld
reach his shelter, clutched him with
teeth and claws, and, though the dog
| gamely buried his own fangs in the
| tawny throat, would doubtless have
| quickly killed him if left alone.
| But 1, utterly unable to bear this
sight, instantly took advantage of the
diversion, kicked myself ont of cover
threw open the pan of my gun, pulled
the stopper of the powder-horn with
my teeth, reprinted the lock, all in the
twinkling of an eye, and while the
puma was intent on shaking the dog
free of his throat. stepped close up, pu
the muzzle against his ear, and once
more pulled the trigger
The flint sparks touched the dry
powder, a loud report followed, ant
before its echoes died away the panthe,
lay dead on the ground, with one-hal
the top of his head blown off
Then tenderly picked up my faith
full friend and savior, and found, to my
infinite joy, that he was not very
severely hurt. his own dauntless cour
age in fastening to the panther's throa
having saved his life.
With Hector's assistance 1 coull
readily have found my way to tn,
house now; but naturally feeling not
little proud of our joint exploit, 1 de
termined that we would stay where w,
were until my uncle and the boys cam,
to us, which, in answer to my tire,
signal shots, they did in less than on,
hour.
By this time had roaring fire go
ing. lighting up the old woods for rod
around, and, when Uncle Eben and m,
cousins Hugh and Fred arrived upo1
the scene, three more astonished ant
pleased individuals / never again ex
pect to see.
Of course received the state bount,
twenty dollars) in due time, but fei
SO grateful to Hector that, on leavin.
the house Of my uncle, I gave the who'll
of it to him in exchange for the dog
which, along with the psnther's pelt,
took to my own home, and for year
afterwards the faithful collie was ID,
inseparable companion.-W. Thomp
son, in Golden Days