The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-10-04

AN If it am got any limbs on 1t we'll send
up some one an shake dat coon out"
NO" said one of the natives. there are
no limbs on it. Stand back there and give
me room to chuck my coat and we'll fling
that tree in mighty few minutes"
"All hands heah wild axes" cried out old
Sol.
Four big, strong and determined fellows
two on a side. take off their coats. throw
down their hats and tackle the three-foot
tree. With long. measured, steady strokes
their axes cut into the heart of this giant
of the forest.
Spell u.s. one of the choppers exclaimed,
and four fresh men stepped forward and
took their places.
Look QUIT She's crackingv'- some one
was heard to cry, and the next moment
down came that giant of the forest, and
mister coon came down with it. With a
mad rush the dogs sprang forward to give
the coon warm reception. Everybody was
shouting and the dogs were barking. the
whole party making noise that was almost
deafening.
1t was big coon and a splendid fighter.
He soon sent some of the dogs-those that
were not gritty-howling away with pain,
Once or twice the coon broke away from
the crowd and tried to escape, and when he
did the circle which was formed around
the scrimmage broke and ran.
When this happened several incidents oc-
CURED that were very amusing. The hunt
ers would pile over one another in their
mad rush to get back, and at one time
number of them were piled in one heap.
The dog Snider showed his staying quail
ties and exhibited the most grit. An effort
was made to hold several of the dogs and
allow only one or two to tackle the coon
at time. But the excitement became so
intense that no one knew what he was do
ing half the time. All were yelling at the
top of their voices and the dogs were bark
ing; the noise fearful; no doubt it could
be heard for miles i'll that bottom of night
AT one time when the result was doubtful
and one of the favorite dogs howled with
pain, some one shouted out: Use the AK
on him! Don't allow him to kill old Ram
bier
NO" shouts old Sol. 'doan do dat. let
'em fight 'er out Old Rambler will git
dar purity soon.'
Presently old Rambler got throat hold
on the coon and the death rattle could be
plainly heard.
The game was UP for the coon; it was
only question OF short time until he
could breathe no more. He had made his
last excursion on earth. Rambler pinned
death. Snyder did some great fighting,
and for a puppy only year old acquitted
himself in remarkable manner.
The battle was commented upon by all
for moment or two and then the dogs
were started off again.
n cold rain began to fall about this time,
TO which no heed was paid by the party.
They all had seen great fight and were
anxious for another.
Presently the bark of old Rambler again
gave the alarm. and when the party
reached the dogs they had two coons freed.
This was more than any one had bargained
for in so short time. Coons were plentiful
for a certainty. The choppers were put
10 work; the tree this time was not large
one and IL was cut down in short order
But the coon was a little too quick for the
dogs, and before they could catch him he
was up another tree. This tree was hewn
down. and as ii fell, the coon sprang from
IL into another tree. Then there was an
other tree TO cut. This time the dogs nailed
him. He was young one and was soon
sent TO kingdom come by Snder. AS soon
as he was finished the other tree was cut
and that coon went the same route as those
before him.
Shortly after this the dogs freed a couple
of possums, which were added TO The bag
In a very quick time. AS Ii was now
after . o'clock in the morning Ii was de-
cided 10 start for the clubhouse at the for
kfS1rxl observation. WILL DIETZ.