The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-01-31

with emphasis that would have set al
doubts at rest.
| Som sheep had been killed on outly
ing farms; and Deacon SWANS heife
was taken one night from his barn Gel
lar. The beast had on that occasion
come in from the south, as the track
showed, actually traversing the whole
village by its main street. After tina
no one felt safe alone out7of-doors after
nightfall. The boys left the village
store before sunset. A small knot Of
men still gathered 10 their accustomed
p,aces nightly; but all brought Ian
terms and guns, and escorted eacr other
cautiously home at nine o'clock.
In the midst of the scare Uncle Silas
Hopkins arrived, and gave notice of the
evening services in the schoolhouse.
| The schoolhouse was in a lonely spot,
as schoolhouses often are in scattered
communities, and only a few of the
bravest responded to the preachers in
| vitation.
Uncle Silas spent a few days in Wis
| iting from house to house. After hold
ing two services on Sunday he an
nounced his intention to walk Monday
morning to Dayton, 12 miles away
across the mountain.
But that night it set in to snow, and
the morning air was thick with whirl-
ing flakes. 1t was late in the afternoon
before the storm ceased. Then Uncle
Silas, much to the alarm of his hostess
and her family, tied up his bundle re
paratory to departure.
In vain they urged him to stay. The
snow, the cold, the coming night, each
seemed sufficient reason why he
should tarry. till morning. All the
stories OF the fierce beasts depreda-
tons, magnitied by fear and much tell
ing, were poured into his ears by the
anxious woman and her disturbed hus-
band
Uncle Silas listened patiently, but
only shook his head at each new en-
treaty. He had heard too much Of the
beast from trustworthy sources to
doubt its presence near the village. But
he was brave man, and held steadily
to his purpose.
"But why go to-night?" urged the
woman, desperately.
II don't quite know. sister," he said,
slowly. Those poor Hawkins chill |
dren, over the mountain, with their
drunken young father, have been on my
mind all day. Perhaps have call to
go. Anyway, we are safe in the Lords |
hands, day or night; and don't fear
the catamount."
So he started on his lonely tramp
over the mountain.
The road to Dayton skirted the base |
Of the mountain for several miles be-
fore it turned gradually and tried the
ascent. Soft snow made travelling
1ifficult on this rough road; and it was
almost dark before Uncle Silas turned
his face upward to the hill that lay be-
tween him and his nights rest. On the
eft the steepled spruces stood out dark
y against the cold winter twilight. On
me right the woods Were already
gloomy with shadows
There was one place on this road that
very belated traveller was glad to leave
behind him-a deep ravine near the
summit of the ridge. Ten feet from
he edge of this ravine high shoulder
If rock followed its general direction
or so yards or more. Between these
7wo the road ran, shrinking close to the
friendly rock
A stout railing of logs gave one in the
dangerous place certain sense of Sc
,urity. Leaning over the railing the
raveler could see the dwarf pines cling
ng to the cliff side. 1t was always
old and damp in the ravine below; and
It times the rush and gurgle of a |
'rook came family up through the low
ree-tops.
Now, in the gathering darkness, Uncle
ilas quickcned his steps unconscious !.
Y. But he was still some distance be-
DIV his place when, from the woods on
lis left, fierce cry broke sharply on
he twilight stiffness.
For moment the horrible screech
eemed everywhere, echoing along the
lountainside, penetrating the rayines. I
hen. in the stiffness, the old man stood {
reathless, listening, while the stories ]
e had heard of the panther crowded l
pom him, and chill that he could not
epress spread slowly down his spine.
The cry was repeated; it seemed g
ow in the path below him. There it I
as again, and nearerl The beast had J
,ented and was following him.
At first the hopelessness of escaping !
ich brute oyerpowered him. He :
as if he would meet the dam il
er where he stood. What use to run L
ON creature that could oyertake r
GER in such snow? How hide from
res that still saw clearly as twilight b
.epened? N
But the habits of the old preachers L
10 were stronger than any danger. &