The Washington herald., 1911-08-06
What the PitCaueht
CONTINUED FROM PAGE FIVE

spacious fields OF Farmer Bumpson lay be-
tween 1t and Johnny's home.
As he passed through them, what was his
astonshment and terror, when he observed.
going through the cornfelds in leisurely
manner, the African lion!
The boys resentment toward the farmer
had vanished. after cool reflection. and now.
realizing that he and his household might be
in great peril, unless warned OF their dan
ger, he made for the farmhouse.
Others, too had seen the lion, and wilder
stampede was never before witnessed in that
vicinity. Noticing Johnny going toward the
house, they called for him to come back, or
he would be killed. but, without paying any
attention to them, he continued on.
1t must be confessed that his heart beat
loudly and his face was paler than usual, as
he ran across the lots. The lion was nowhere
in sight, being hidden among the corn, but
the knowledge that such beast was prowl-
ing around was enough to cause the stoutest
On arriving at the house, he found Mrs.
Bumpson almost frantic with terror. Her
husband was at work in the fields, she said,
wringing her hands, and she was about to go
Now, Johnny Wilson was courageous
boy or he never would have been able to do
what he did on that memorable occasion.
With an old musket that the farmers wife
gave him, he started across the lots to Mr..
Bumpson, who was at work near the old
barn, all unconscious that the lion was any
where near.
When Johnny appeared and breathlessly
the gun from his hands and vowed if the
lion tackled him, he'd rue it,"
Almost as he spoke, terrible spectacle
was presented to their eyes. The lion was
bounding toward them at an alarming rate
of speed.
The perspiration stood out on their faces,
and, for moment, they felt utterly ncapa.
BILE OF action, every second increasing their
danger.
Not far back of the lion was a posse of
men, who shouted to them, but their words
were unheard. The great beast, with fash
ing eyes and jaws extended, its huge name
bristling, and its long tawny body made a
fearful sight. and one that they never could
Farmer Bumpson shook off his paralyzing
fright.
Bringing the musket to his shoulder, he
took good aim and pulled the trigger. Then
pain and rage from the lion, and the farmer,
almost knocked off his feet by the recoil,
threw the weapon away and then ran for his
life.
lion, maddencd by its wound, bounded along
after him at a tremendous pace.
Help! help! shrieked the terrified man.
But while there were a number of wit
nesses who heard his frantic cry, they were
as powerless as Johnny Wilson to aid him,
and they could only look at each other with
horrlhcd countenanCes, each moment expect
ing to see the farmer struck down by those
mighty paws.
A moment more, and it seemed as il he
was lost. The man made a sharp turn, and
came near falling, but, quickly recovering him.
self he sped on.
Then it was that the unexpected happened
Inc fugitive ran around the pit which the
poys had dug. As it was covered over with
old boards and loose earth, it was not per.
celved by the infuriated hon.
The instant its huge body landed in the
centre there was sudden crash, the rotten
roar and frantic efforts to save itself. the
lion lurched forward, wildly cndeavored to
regain its footing, but, failing, disappeared
from view among the debris.
johnny Wilson and Hugh Fryer's search
life! ''N'
Mr.. Bumpson hastily climbed the nearest
tree. and, with pale countenance, waited
Tor the lion to reappear.
But the circus men were not slow IN avail
themselves of this accident to felis leo. Hur.
rying up, they fortunately found a number
OF boards close by, which they quickly put
over the opening, and the beasts chances of
escaping from the pit were cut off
Mr.. Bumpson would not bulge from his
refuge until he saw the lion safely Gagged, an
undertaking that was by no means easily ac-
comPlishcd, as ID took an hour or so of hard
work.
When it was done, he painfully descended
from his perch, walked up to the cage, shook
his fist at the beast, and, having uttered some
very uncomplmentary remarks about lions
in general, and this one in particular, began
Gmping home.
There was no more work in Mr.. Bumpson
for that day. On this way he happened to
meet Johnny. "
'Wcl, my boy" he said, 81 allow I treat.
ed you rather mean the other day, but If
you hadn't done what you did Td bccn a
goner" There was somewh hat sheepish ex.
pI preaaI9n On on the farmers face as he con
why, of course" responded JOHNNY
And they shook hands cordially.