The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1893-10-21

him and the dog was behind them snarl-
ing and biting most effectively. But he
kept on down and also hung to his rifle.
Before the bottom was reached he had
gained hundred feet on the pigs, but
they kept after him IS hard as they could.
When Tom struck level ground he felt
safe, and knew that - soon as he crossed
the river bottom he could beat the pigs
uphill and get safely inside. his house.
But there was large patch of powders
to cross first, and it was here another dan
ger presented itself.
The powders were numerous and round
and most difficult to cross even when q
person is not in hurry. Tom made =
rush at them, and had reached the center
when he stumbled and fell. Before he
could regain his feet the pigs were at the
edge Of the powders and looked as if
they would make good progress in cross
ing them.
Tom realized in an instant that his
chances OF getting away now were slim.
He looked around for tree to climb, but
all were too big. He concluded he would
have to run and take his chances, but
had no sooner started than he saw a
hollow tree with the opening about three
feet from the ground. As quick as flash
he made run for it and got inside just
as the pigs got up to him.
He was now safe, but could not get out
until he had killed all the pigs. They
were more ferocious than ever, and ran
around the tree, inserting their tusks into
the bark and standing on their legs in
their effort to get inside the opening.
For several minutes Tom stood watch
ing them in the hope that they would
leave. He did not want more than one
for specimen and could not eat the rest
in a month. The dog was enjoying the
sport and ran around the outside of the
drove, biting all he could get bold of.
But Tom had to do something as he
could not stay where he was because it
was hot enough to cook anyone but a
greaser, and be was commencing to suffer
for water. His rifle was in good working
order and he commenced shooting, but
his sportsmanlike spirit made him feel as
if be was murderer to kill the animals in
such cold blooded pot.hunter fashion.
Nevertheless, he kept on shooting and
did not entirely mise single shot. Those
that were not killed instantly were SO
badly wounded as to be unable to make
an attack.
In short time all the pigs we're killed
but one and that was the largest aud most
ferocious Of the drove. He ran around in
a lively manner and was most difficult to
get 9. bead on, even had not Tom been
afraid of killing the dog that did its best
to make it unpleasant for the pig. When
at last Tom did pull the trigger there
was no report.
He examined his rifle and found that he
had emptied it of cartridges and had tried
to shoot with nothing in the chamber.
It was a nice fix. he had no more car
tridges because he left his belt at home,
not thinking he would need it for such
short trip.
His position was now about as serious
as it ever was because he was absolutely
helpless except for bis powers of running.
Tom stood Il in the hollow tree as long
as he could, and at last made up his mind
to risk it. He watched his chance and
when the dog had got the pig as far
away rs it would 60, Tom jumped out of
the tree and started for the house.
Over the powders he ran as fast as he
could, the pig, pursued by the dog, com
ing after. The river bottom seemed to
be miles wide, but every step brought
him nearer the cabin.
Tom had reached the bottom of the hill
leading up to the house and felt that he
was safe, although the pig was very near.
He was almost out of breath, but kept on
and had reached point half way up when
he stepped on loose stone and fell down.
In an instant the pig was just behind
him and was about to insert its terrible
tusks into his legs, when it was seized by
the dog and held back. 1t had seen its
advantage as soon as Tom fell and for
gotten the dog in the effort to reach its
enemy. The bite was hard one and
The dog held on until Tom got to his feet,
when it broke away and again took after
him.
But this time Tom was more fortunate
and reached the house in safety. He did
not 20 inside, but picked up the Ak that
was lying near the door and went for the
pig. The fight was short one, and, after
missing few times, he drove the Ak into
the animals neck just back of the head
aud rolled over and lay still in death.
Tom thinks he got into good deal of
danger to secure one specimen of wild
pig, but is thankful for his escape. The
dog had peccary to eat for over week.
It is said that the growth of ivy on thy
walls of houses renders the walls entirely
free from damp, the ivy extracting every