The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-02-09
$4,000 ONE DAYS
HUNTING TRIP
Escapade With Grey
Foxes in Maine
Trainman Has Exciting Time Digging
Out Three Grey FOxes.-Returned
Home With Pocket Full Of Money.


Twas on Tuesday morning,
about seven o'clock, when the call
boy came over to likes house and
notified him that Mr.. Reynolds want
ed him for two days special trip,
and to take plenty of grub along. AS
an invitation was sent along for me
to go with Ike | made preparations.
Arriving at the roundhouse we
were informed that party OF high
bucks from the ST. Lawrence resorts
were en- route on special bound for
South Russell on a two days hunt
ing trip We would spend the night
there and were to take a Waterman
for the engine. Ike hiked over to the
house for our guns while | looked
the engine over for him.
THE special pulled in about eight
o'clock. The engine was cut out
and we coupled on with simple
eight wheeler, about the only one on
the division. Coupled to us were
private car, a diner and a combina,
ton baggage and smoker in which
we're the dogs. Mr.. Reynolds was
going along and we were to pick up
several guides at Churchill. There
was a report that a silver grey fox
had been seen In the vicinity of South
Russell and the bunch of sports were
In for a good time and hunt for the
fox.
I'VE pulled out at 500 with the
right of way over all freights and
rleet on Number 33 at Churchill. Our
engine had speed and as it was short
time to Churchill, If we didn't want
to knock 33 out Ike pulled the throt-
lie out near the tank and sailed 'em.
Pulled into South Russell at $40 and
the sports got into gear right OFF
quick Ike went along, leaving me to
take charge of the engine as the fire.
man was green.
About l o'clock, having eaten din
ner, | took my rifle, and giving the
fireman his instructions, started for
stroll. Made my way up the track
half a mile to where the big rock
cut is and climbing up one side l sat
down on boulder to view the seen
cry. No. 202 would be along soon
and | concluded to wait and watch
her run through the cut.
THE view was grand from my look
cut. Off to the northeast about half
mile was the base of South Russell
mountain which reared its massive
head nigh a thousand feet. At the
southeast | could look over thirty
miles of forest and lake. | sat lost
In contemplation till the whistle of
202 sounded at North Russell and
glanced around to watch for her.
Hearing rustling of bushes
across the cut / cast glance that
way and there. peeking round juni-
per, | saw the head of a fox.
Well knowing that a quick move
ment on my part would scare it away,
let my left hand drop slowly to the
barrel of my rifle resting on my lap,
brought 1t to my shoulder, and fired
as the fox jumped back. AS he jump
ed got my first view of silver grey
fox. He took a header into some
bushes and was out of sight In a jif-
fly.
81 started to climb down but 202
headed me Off. While l waited impa-
tiently, they seemed to be merely
crawling though going in reality at
the rate of fifty miles per hour. Then
| had to go along some little dis
lance before | could climb the other
side and 1t seemed ten minutes be-
fore | arrived at the spot where the
fox had been. l was disappointed at
not finding him at once as l thought
sure l had made a good shot. He
had left plenty of marks, however,
and l started to trail him. Twas
slow and tedious work through the
bushes and l lost the trail several
times. 1t led around the south base of
the mountain and followed 1t for over
mile until the trail led into a hole
In some bushes close to the ledge.
Now thinks l, old fellow, you are it.
Well, | sat down to wait until some
one came my way and | had good
long wait.
Twas near four o'clock when l
heard a noise in a ravine off at the
right. set up yell which was coon
answered. Called for the party to
come my way and shortly an Indians
head appeared over the side. Mo-
toned him to come on and in min
ute or 80 he was up with me-"
What want?" he asked.
Told him about my fox and asked
him to go down to the train and get
pick and shovel and help dig him
out"
How much?" he asked, meaning
what would | pay him.
Told him I'd give him a dollar"
mo good. Me no co." said he.
"Wau didn't want tn leave him