Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-10-17


"See here. boy" he said. sitting
down and pulling of his boots. -
think I can show you some fun. d.
you notice they're feeding up to thai
nose of rock? Well, l used to be rath
er quick on my feet once, and I think
II can slip down behind there with
out their winding me If one gets close
enough can catch him with my
hands. which is a trick I'd like much
ly to accomplish. Now, you sit here
and watch and for your life dom
make a move or sound. By Jimmy. II
I could do thatp' He trotted ligh,
footed down the slope out Of sight.
The boy soon saw him reappear be
hind the sharp rock wall that juttec
out into the valley. rubbing crushed
pine needles upon himself with the
idea Of overpowering the human odor
although, whether effective in its pur
pose or not. 1t was not necessary. d
strong up wind from deer to mar
making 1T impossible that they could
scent him.
They waited and they waited. big
man crouched like tiger below and Il
highly excited small boy above. while
the deer did every exasperating thing
that animals could do.
One hour went by-two-when sud
denly the buck rose and walked
straight up the canyon in a course
that would take him within twenty
feet of the rock. Jim heard him snort
and prepared for action. laying hold
of q corner of stone to get q spring
from all fours
The deer shadow Hoated black on
the grass before him. and Jim leaped
to the biggest surprise Of his life. for
instead of making the least effort to
escape the buck charged and thnt
with such sudden fury 1t was all the
man could do to lay hold Of him any
where as they came to dirt together.
The next ten seconds was deliriun.
each combatant doing something Us
quick as he could without any definite
aim. Jim received painful rake
across the chest from the antlers and
q jab in the leg from the sharp hoofs'
while the deer was the worse for sev
eral bangs over the head and an ear
nearly pulled Off as they rolled over
together.
Meanwhile Ches had legged 1t down
the hillside ut his best speed, enthusl'
astically cheering what he supposed
was a prearranged performance. Jir'
had promised him fun. and that whirl'
ing heap below supplied plenty Of IT.
"Hooray~ yelled Ches. "Hooray!
Hold him dere. Jim. till l get down"
Jim heard the shrill voice us he sue.
ceeded after a desperate effort In get
ting an arm around the deer's neck so
that he could do something in the
choking line and he smiled grimly In
the heat Of battle "All right. Ches." )"
he gaspcd. "Don't-hurry!"
"Keep out Of this" he yelled q mo-
ment later as Ches burst out from the
bushes. you'll get killed"
Rut Ches was not to be denied. He
danced around the pushing. Juggling,
straipine storm center and the moment
opportunity offered slipped in and
seized the buck by hind leg.
II he had touched an electric bat
terry the effect could not have been
more instant. The deer famed that
muscular hind leg with its boy attach
ment at the rate of 700 strokes to the
minute. Poor Ches' head was nearly
snapped of his shoulders. and the
breath was literally jerked out OF his
body, but he hung on with all the
strength that pulling the car had given
him.
1t was not much help. but 1t was a
diversion. Jim gulped a lungful OF
air. gathered his powers and came
down with all his might Slowly the
stubborn neck bent. 30 slowly that
Jim feared be would give out before
gaining the mastery. AS 1t yielded his
leverage Increased, and at last. exert
ing every ounce Of strength that was
In him. he downed the foe and held
him there. his leg over the front legs
whose armament he had felt before
and was not desirous Of feeling again
But the deer gave up the struggle
and lay quiet. looking up with great
pleading eyes.
ayes. you devilr' cried Jim. you
look meek enough now. but Il you
weren't handful Of hard luck ten
seconds ago l never ran across one.
You hurt. ChesT
II got q lovely tump on me smeller.
but I'm In 1t yet Do let 60 or don't
IT.
mot on your nfel Wait q moment" /"
he worked his weight over on the
deer's body. "NowT he said "Quickl
Jump looser' Again the deer glanced
up reproachfully. as though to say.
How suspicious you are!"
The instant Ches jumped clear 80
did Jim. They watched their Late an
tagonlst, who sprang to his feet and
went of with frisky leaps, apparently