Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1903-11-12
| WILDCAT ADVENTURE
BY James Otis.

last two or three hours of the day
over the merest apology for a road
In the wilds of Maine. 1t having been
made by the lumbermen for use only
In the winter season, and the last
habitation we had seen was ten or
twelve miles away
We were disappointed in not having
reached the end of our journey, for
time was very precious to us; but it
was of no use to grumble, and we set
about making ourselves as cOmfOrta-
bic as possible for the night, by
building a rorsing fire. The horse
was tethered close by, and our only
shelter was the wagon, under which
we lay on our blankets, with our feet
near the glowing Goals.
We made no pretense of keeping
watch, for neither believed that we
should be disturbed by any dangerous
animals, and this carelessness was
bitterly repented.
1t seemed as if had hardly fallen
asleep, when was aroused into
startled consciousness by Il piercing
scream, followed Immediately by the
plunging and kicking of the horse.
There's a wildcat around here"
Dan said, in a matter of fact tone. as
he crawled from under the wagon
and if we're not careful, our nag will
bid us good-by. III make sure that
he hasn't slipped his halter, while you
start the fire again"
Don't leave here until you can see
what you are about" | replied, rs |
ralled the Goals together. wildcats
arc not the most pleasant neighbors,
and"
The frantic plunging and neighing
Of the horse interrupted me, and, re-
gardless of the well meant caution,
Dan went toward the animal to quiet
him.
The materials for building the fire
we're damp with frost, and it was
some time before | could coax out
even the smallest flame. While I was
working, I could hear Dan talking to
he horse, and before I finished, |
Judged by the sounds that he had
started toward me. Looking up, |
could just distinguish the shadowy
outlines of his form, and, at the same
instant. saw a black mass drop
from the trees directly upon him.
4 sharp cry of pain. low, fierce
growing, followed Immediately by
The noise of i scufGe, told me what
had occurred The wildcat had, after
the manner of his kind, dropped or
leaped upon Dan the moment he
moved away from the horse.
"EIelp-qu!ck! Hes killing NE"
shouted Dan.
Aud ! sprahg to his assistance as
soon as I could secure my gun.
could see hat tie animal had
struck my chGm between the Shout
Gers, and was tearing at his neck ct
the same time that he used with
cruel effect his hind claws.
There was no time for hesitation, ]
knew it was necessary to run some
risk of wounding Dan if l would do
anything to save him, and l acted at
once
Throwing away my gun as useless, |
[ flung myself upon the combatans,
and it so CHANGED that just at that
Instant Dan was on top.
lie firm, old fellow, l cried, rs |
'2rced him down by the chest wi h all |
NY strength, and made half a dozen |
unges with my knife over his shout. |
Ter. striking the cat every time. as ]
,ould tell by the vicious snarling.
OF course, the animal used teeth !
md claws desperately. and Dan could |
lct bear the pain many seconds.
And I caught blindly at the cat as |
le partially rolled over, succeeding in |
citing hold of the animals neck with |
ny left hand.
In this position, Dan on his knees, |
;,ruggling to free himself from the
ong. sharp claws, thrust my knife
through the Wildcats body |
vice without striking vital part,
md then it was that the animal re-
cased Dan to devote all his atten-
ion to me.
Before I could shield ny face, the
at made vicious lunge with all four
laws, laying open both my cheeks to
he bone, and l plying my knife until
could not believe that there was an
nch of the creatures body that my
had not penetrated.
1t was when 1 was beginning to fan
y I would be obliged to give up the
ght. so weak was l growing from
oss of blood, that l heard a deafening
eport, saw long line Of fame direct
y before my eyes, and instantly felt
hat the animals struggles were ceas-
ne.
I dimly understood that Dan had
hot the cat, and after that, conscious
ess left me.
When I realized anything more, the
re was burning brightly, and Dan
yas tearing his shirt and mine into
trips to be used as bandages, the
lood from his wounds saturating the
10th even as he held it in his hands
Until day light we worked as best
e could, caring for each other, and
hen came a time when we both lay
. a half conscious state.
Dan had been badly bitten and
,awed about the back Of the neck.
lille my injuries were all about the
ice, and | felt that ! had great cause
Dr. thankfulness because my eyes had
~ been touched.
We were as forlorn and ensanguined
pair as could have been found in
lat section Of the country, and not
any yards away lay the remains Of a
,onster cat, with the upper part OF
: head literally torn off,,
It was not until noon of the next
~ that we arrived at the first
,vnlifnP vyhara the good woman and |