Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-03-10

Il
now blocking my path looked as If about
to begin this role by making meal Of
me.
Il had no weapons about me except a
pocket knife and one Of those three-inch'
single barrel large bore Derringer pis-
tolls, designed especially ordefense when
one is closely grappled by foe This was
in my waisteoat pocket, and loaded, but
/ had not a second cartridge, and at best
the diminutive. though powerful weapon
would be. from the difficulty OF taking
aim with it, of no use at greater dis
lance than foot or two.
Nevertheless, as in this particular case,
the extreme of rashness might prove the
height of prudence, and knowing fuil
well that If remained long motionless
the jaguar would spring upon me and
bear me to the earth, took the pistol IN
my right hand, and with loud yell,
rushed straight at him!
1.-THE beast was so astonished BY this
maneuyer that he actually bounded
clear over the bush and out of my way,
and ran on with all my might toward the
mule, but kept continually looking back
TO see whether | was followed BY this
first dash / gained full 100 yards, and be-
gan to think that perhaps the jaguar had
gone off for good But on giacing again
over my shoulder. | saw him coming lot
me with great leaps, and at rate which
bodied iii for my chances Of escape.
Il got along about so yards farther
however, and then, as the great brute
was almost upon me, and he would have
to make level attack, if any; and he
did that very thing.
Not being fastidious as TO the manner
of getting me, so long as he got me at al,
he came stealthily round the tree, ana
with bristllpg back, glaring eyes ana
protruding claws, sought to seize mt as
cat does a mouse His lips were re-
tracted, showing a set of cleaning fangs,
and his hot fool breath was in my face
when put the pistol almost against ms
head and pulled the trigger.
THE bullet, striking the thick skull
at an acute angle, merely cut through
the skin and glanced of. Its impact
however, temporarily stunned the AMI
NAL He staggered back pace or two
and sank upon his launches; and the
again ran as a man can run only when
his life depends upon his speed.
Il had some hope that the iaguar was
, now too thoroughly cowed 70 renew the
pursuit. but before | came within 81
! yards OF my mule he was close to me once
, more: and this time. furious with rage
, | and the pain of his wound. he was eonbly
| dangerous.
Escape seemed hopeless. Ny arms
might as well have been SO miles away
for all the good they could do me unless
| | could reach them, which now appeared
| impossible. | would have given. jus
: then. all L possessed in the world for
= good hunting knife and the chance, des
r perate as 1t was, Of making a TAR STAND
i up fight for my life.
d Upon how slight trifis momentou'
n events sometimes depend! had turned
1 about TO face my enemy, not daring long
or to keep my back to him, and as
Il thought of knife, instinct
: lively thrust a hand into my pocket
n and felt a match--one solitary match.
d A little thing indeed to save man lie
4 but realized that If 1t did not miss mr.
: it might save mine.
: INV motions had now to be quick al
lightning, the jaguar being barely lziee
| distant. and again erouehing for
+, snring. According to my usual habit
Il / had. on starting out in the morning
h placed in the crown Of my sombrero twS
i or three copies of the last received New
q York papers. partly as an additiona
g protection from the sun, and partly 4
1t while away the time in reading as ROOT
IS along
II u now jerked these papers from m'
hattie unexpected motion serving Z
h DELAY the jaguar's spring-rolled one 2
/ them into a long, loose tube, and strncl
d the lone match on my leg.
lie Fortunately at the first stroke I
- hurst into fame. touched il To the en'
10 Of the paper tube, which Instant.
g dared up in a bright blaze, and then be
I gan to walk steadily backward.
"Ny bloodthirsty pursuer was utterl'
Z astounded by these tactics, and al ~
" dash of the fire sprang of TO one SIDE
r but seeing that he was not hurt, and ina
y. stiu retreated. he picked up eouras
q, and sneaked after me. all the time snari
1e ine and splitting exactly as cat ace
ID when attacked by dog. but never com
Y inc nearer than is or 20 feet. As
n hacked toward the mule slowly wave
al NV improvised torch in a circle an
when the first paper was nearly buFne'
ne out lighted another
ld "My poor mule was making frantic e
1t forts to break away, and would haY
II dora 50 but for the great strength
e M rawhide lariat; but on hearing M
e voice purposely modulated to calm an
y soothing tones. he ceased to pull an
an although trembling with deadly terror
ar Stood quite still When finally reache
E! tbe faithful beast my second loren wa
or not more than two-thirds consumed an
Is dronping il, ! snatched theTiie from i
us "a rraua red for vengeance.