The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1904-09-13
PLUCK, ROMANCE
AND ADVENTURE.
CAUGHT BEAR.

- 0WS, writes q correspond
- ent from Plttsfeld. Vt,
Sg0% knows of two tramps who
will not bother him or his chickens any
more. In fact, he is pretty sure he is
rid of the entire cult for good and all,
as he has been told that in Hobodom
there are certain signs displayed on
fences which indicate good and poor
field of investigation. He has found
some OF these signs on his fence mile
from the house, and believes that they
were placed there by a pair of tramps
with whom he had a somewhat un-
usual experience.
Hank began to be bothered with
members of the profession" early in
the summer, and at first Mrs. Strong,
whole-souled individual, responded to
their entreaties for food with Jersey
milk, large pieces of pie and good
homemade cheese. When she stopped
the tramps hung around until dark and
made off with chickens, vegetables,
and even firkins of butter. AS the
cold weather came ON the hoboes got
more numerous, until they became
pest. About week ago the deacon
resolved to be rid Of them.
About noon lie went to the henhouse,
and selecting half dozen Thanksgiv-
ing eapons killed and picked them in
full view. He strung the six on pole
and put them in the icehouse. The ice.
house was box-like affair, about
ten by twenty feet, with height of
eight feet. 1t had good-sized door
that locked with a spring catch and
was strong enough to resist ordinary
efforts to open it from within.
AS soon as the chores were done the
deacon, armed with bean-pole, took
up his position in the kitchen and from |
a point of vantage at the window |
watched the door of the henhouse Just |
across the driveway. Mrs. Strong
blew out the fight after making sure
that the kitchen and icehouse doors
had been left ajar and sat down with
the deacon.
1t was a bright night, and the hus-
band and wife could just make out the
door OF the trap they had laid for the
tramDs. They waited patiently and at
o'clock saw form on all tours
emerge from the direction of the pas
ture and disappear within the house.
zone 4 tn varmints," whispered the
deacon. Don't We move till tn other
feller gifts inside"
There was period of suspense that
seemed half an hour and then a second
form was made out emerging from the
pasture. This was approaching in a
crouched position and was followed
by another about the same size.
Gosh all hemlock, Z | won't ketch
three 4 EN-" jubilantly whispered the
deacon. "Dldn't think there was but
two"
The forms approached cautiously,
circled toward the iee-house, and went
In. A moment later the kitchen door
was softly pushed open and Deacon
strong crept out, followed by his wife.
lie moved noiselessly to the ice-house
and pushed the door shut with the
beam pole. The next instant mufied
shrek burst from within. followed by
second shrek and loud bass roar
that was never made by a human
being.
Let us out let us out" yelled
voice. "Good Lord. let us out. There's
bear In here and he's trying to eat
us up" Z
Holy smoke" grasped the deacon as
o second and louder roar smote his ear.
Quick, Marthy, git tn carblne. It's
loaded"
While Mrs. Strong ran for the gun
more roars and bowls filed the Ice
house, followed by floundering and
humping ON the door.
wait tin | get tn carbine," yelled
the deacon. Blame 1t. don't We bust
thet door. He can't eat We both tn
onct."
just then Mrs. Strong came on the
run with the gun In her hand and the
deacon slipped the lock- Instantly out
Stumbled two terrified tramps, hatless .
and white, and before the farmer could
stop them they fairly flew down the
road, shouting at the top Of their /,
voices. Directly after them came a
small black bear with his mouth full
OF chicken and one paw swathed in the
remnant of coat tail.
Gimme tn gun, gimme tn gum" ,
gurgled the deacon. ,
But there was no time for this, and I,
AIRS. Strong pointed the barrel at bruln.
smut both eyes. and fred The bali ,
nearly lifted the top Of the animals !
mead on, and he died Instantly
Gosh" calculated the deacon. view
sng his good wife with pride. who'd
nev thought it2 Blamed IL We can't
shoot es well es ye kin cook"
Il cal'iate we be rid 4 them pesky
uamps fer a SPELL" she responded
with CLEAN of pride in her eyes,
New York World.