Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1897-04-22

could he endure the chat Of the
camp after his TRADE Of the preyi-
Gus evening" No; he was resolved
that come what might be would be
first on the spot, and not leave to
Martin the chance Of killing the
largest bear be had seen signs Of
during the whole season.
So the little Frenchman pIowed
bis way along, taking a short cut
through the woods. What was it
made him pause for moment and
then redouble his pace
1t was this. He remembered
suddenly that all the tracks leading
to the bears cave were on the side
OF the ravine farthest from the
camp. lie had come across them
on his way home, but Martin, en-
tering the rayine from the other
end, would see nothing to raise his
suspicious till he reached the cave.
The bear would have scented him
long before, and the terrible fear
which crossed Coppee's mind was
that Martin would be attacked I'M
wares. Such an unequal contest
could have but one result.
Coppee forgot all about bis own
desire to kill the bear; his one hope
now was that Martin might have
succeeded in doing so. Never had
he run so fast in his life. He pelt-
ed over the snow, choosing, where
possible, the ground sheltered from
the drift.
1t seemed an age before the ra-
vine was reached. lie leaped from
rock TO rock with more agility than
prudence. One more turn, and he
would be in sight of the cave.
He was at the very corner when
a terrible cry reached his ears. He
ran forward to see his worst fears
realized. An enormous bear had
rushed on Martin, who had not
even time to fire; his weapon was
dashed from his hand, and he was
thrown violently to the ground.
Coppee raised shout, hoping to
turn the beasts attention. His
idea bore fruit-the bear turned in
his direction for a moment, giving
Martin time to draw his long hun
ter's knife; but before he could
use it the bear with an awful growl
sprang on him again.
Another moment and it would
have been all over, for the animals
enormous weight prevented Martin
from even turning. But Coppee
had made the most of the few Sec
onds, and was now but half doz-
Ell yards off.
He took a hasty aim, all tremb-
ling as he was with his tremendous
exertions; the ball hit the bear I'M
der the shoulder. With a fearful
growl, he sprang off Martins body
and began biting the wounded
part.
Now came Martins turn. With
a temerity born of hunters life,
he raised himself on-his hand and
plunged his knife into the body of
his foe. 1t found his heart. Mar
TIN rose to his feet, and for the first
time saw Coppee.
81 killed that BEAR" he said.
Coppee looked at him in aston
ishment for a moment, and then
burst into one OF his merry laughs.
"You are right" he said; '.you
killed the bear. | came too late. "
mo- you didn't, replied Mar
tin; ''you came at just the nick Of
time. If it hadn't been for your
shot it would have been case of
KILLED by bear for my grave
stone. I'll do as much for you if
ever | get a chance"
Coppec saw that he had conquer
ed his rivals enmitY forever.
When, in the evening, they were
once more seated round the camp
fire, Martin told the story of his
rescue and told it in terms which
showed he felt deeply Coppee's con-
duct. However, none the less
could he resist ending his story
WITH