Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-09-22
BEsIEGED BY MOUNTAIN LIONS.
Terrible Experience of a. Man in the
 San Gabriel Section, California.

Terrible Experience of a Man in the
 San Gabriel Section. California.
 J. H. Camp, who resides at Browns Flats in Southern California, has just passed through the terrible experience of being besieged for four days and nights in a cabin in the upper San Gabriel country by four starving mountain lions. Camps only com panion was a burro, and his only means of defense a small revolver and a limited quantity of ammunition.
 Camp had gone to the mountain cabin to prepare it for the reception or several hunters, and during his stay alone had heard the cry of wildcats and the long, blood-chilling screech of partners. He had not caught sight of any of the animals until one day when he was cutting away some brush on the trail near the cabin he heard twig snap in front of him. Looking up he beheld huge lion right in the center of the trail, switching it's tail menacingly. Camp was struck dumb with terror. but instinctively his hand sought his hip pocket, in which repos-. ed his pistol
 As he drew 1t another lion walked out of the brush, and behind 1t were two smaller, possibly cubs. Blazing wildly away with the popgun in his hands. Camp created a momentary di- version that allowed him to reach his cabin door. Rushing inside, he barred the door and reloaded his pistol, de termined to frighten away the brutes if possible. As he looked out he saw his burro, Al Borak, snorting and tug ging at his tether, one of the tawny brutes having already begun to sneak upon him. With a wild plunge the burro broke loose and rushed for shel- ter, one of the lions after him. Camp opened the door just in time to admit the terrorized fellow, who shot in as if launched from catapault..
 Throwing his weight against the door. Camp barred 1t again. He had plenty of provisions and decided to remain quiet for a time, hoping the li- ons would go away. Knowing they are usually cowardly brutes, Camp was at a loss to account for their dar- ing action except on the theory that 1t might be a pair with their cubs. He made the burro comfortable and was glad of his company. and then took 2 look to see if the brutes were still there i. They were still watching They refused to vacate; they knew their game was snared in a trap of his own making, and right in the brush out side of Camps inclosure the quartet of cats camped. All day Sunday at least one was in sight, and Camp de cfded to lie low. That night was night of horrors.
 On the fourth morning Camp cau- tiously peered out. The lions were not in sight, and he hurriedly saddled up Al Borak. mounted him and turned the honest little beast toward civiliza ton. He needed no urging. Camp was congratulating himself on his es- cape, when a piercing screech was heard from the trail behind The brutes had discovered his departure and were in hot pursuit.
 Realizing his peril and that safety lay only in beating the lions to civili- zation. Camp accepted his hard terms Terrified beyond all control. the little burro for once in his life galloped like a racehorse. Never before and proba- bly, never again will the descent from Browns Flats to Lordsburg be made in such time as Camp made it. When he reached Lordsburg he was exhaust ed from fright and the hard ride.