The Pulaskian., 1919-04-18
JIM'S GOOD TRADE.
Paid Youngster to Swap His Pig
 for the Bear.
Bruins Eaoerness for Pork Dinner Proved His Undoine When Old Muzzle-Loader Really Got
 Into Action.


 In return for helping his grandfa- ther one sumner and fall on his bush farm, Jim Holland had received a pig which he had taken special pains to fatten. One day when he was alone he heard a great squealing and came out just in time to see a bear carrying his pig into the bush. Rushing back. he seized his grandfather's muzzle-loader and hurried out. He picked up his hand-ax and stuck it in his belt, and as he ran to the bush his dog joined s7im
 The porker, which weighed about one hundred pounds, was making kick for his life and objecting so strenuously to the manner of his re- moval that the bear was not making very rapid progress. When Jim was near enough he stopped. took aim and pulled. But the old gun did not go eff; either the cap was useless or the powder was damp. Sending his dog after the bear, Jim dropped the gun, seized the ax and hurried on to see what he could do. The dog rushed in and nipped a hind leg. The bear swung round and snapped at the dog, then hurried on, clinging tightly to his prize. At that moment Jim ran up and hit the robber with his ax. At the same time the dog rushed in on the farther side and nipped the bear again in the tender part of his leg. As the Lear swung round upon his little tor mentor, Jim saw his chance and got in another blow with his ax, which causad the beast to shake his head say ageIy.
 Apparently tie bear was determined that, even if he had to give up his booty, he would see that it was of no Service to Jim, for with one blow of his powerful paw he disemboweled the pig. He then threw it from him and made off through the woods.
 In great disappointment and anger at the loss of his pig. Jim called his dog, got the gun and went home. When his grandfather returned that evening he told him what had happened.
 "That old bear will be back for the pig tomorrow said his grandfather ''Youd better be on hand and get him."
 "How?' asked Jim.
 'Why, with the gun, of course" said the old gentleman tersely.
 ''I tried your gun on him today. but 1t wouldn't go off," said Jim.
 ..That is one of the best guns in this country, even If it is an old-timer," said his grandfather sharply. This was not the first time his ancient gun had been condemned by a new generation.
 The old gentleman pulled out the charge, carefully reloaded the gun and told Jim that it was all right.
 Early the next morning Jim climbed tree near his dead pig and waited. The morning passed and there was no sign. of the bear, but at about the time when he had appeared on the day be- fore he came cautiously through the woods and approached the pig. Jim took careful aim at the spot just be- hind thc fore shoulder and fired. The old gun did it's work faithfully this time.
 When his grandfather heard the gun go off he hurried to the spot. He found Jim dancing around his bear.
 Hes big one, Jim; bigger than I thought" said the old gentleman. You were lucky to get him at one crack. Meat and fat and hide, he's worth more than four pigs"
 It required team and stone boat to get Jim's prize home.-Youth's Com panion.