Wild Western Scenes: A Narrative of Adventures in the Western Wilderness, Wherein the Exploits of Daniel Boone, the Great American Pioneer are Particularly DescribedJones, J. B. (John Beauchamp)
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Wild Western Scenes: A Narrative of Adventures in the Western Wilderness, Wherein the Exploits of Daniel Boone, the Great American Pioneer are Particularly Described
Jones, J. B. (John Beauchamp)
Boone, Daniel, 1734-1820 -- Fiction; Western stories; Wilderness areas -- Fiction
Now, Glenn perceived to what perfection dogs could be trained, and
learned, what had been a matter of wonder to him, how Boone could keep
up with them in the chase. The hounds set off at a signal from their
master, not like an arrow from the bow, but at a moderate pace, ever
and anon looking back and pausing until the men came up; while the
erratic curs flew hither and thither, chasing every hare and squirrel
they could find. As they pursued the trail they occasionally saw the
foot-print of the animal, which was broad and deep, indicating one of
enormous size. Presently they came to a spot thickly overgrown with
spice-wood bushes and prickly vines, where he had made his lair, and
from the erect tails of Ringwood and Jowler, and the intense interest
they otherwise evinced, it was evident they were fast approaching the
presence of Bruin. Ere long, as they ran along with their heads up, for
the first time that morning, they commenced yelping in clear and
distinct tones, which rang musically far and wide through the woods.
The curs relinquished their unprofitable racing round the thickets,
attracted by the hounds, and soon learned to keep in the rear,
depending on the unerring trailing of the old hunters, as the object of
pursuit was not yet in sight. The chase became more animated, and the
men quickened their pace as the inspiring notes of the hounds rang out
at regular intervals. Glenn soon found he possessed no advantage over
those on foot, who were able to run under the branches of the trees,
and glide through the thickets with but little difficulty, while the
rush of his noble steed was often arrested by the tenacious vines
clinging to the bushes abreast, and he was sometimes under the
necessity of dismounting to recover his cap or whip.
It was not long before the notes of Ringwood and Jowler suddenly
increased in sharpness and quickness, and the curs and terriers,
hitherto silent, set up a confused medley of sounds, which reverberated
like one continuous scream. They had pounced upon the bear, and from
the stationary position of the dogs for a few minutes, indicated by
their peculiar baying, it was evident Bruin had turned to survey the
enemy, and perhaps to give them battle; but it seemed that their number
or noise soon intimidated him, and that he preferred seeking safety in
flight. How Boone could possibly know beforehand which way the bear
would run, was a mystery to Glenn; but that he often abandoned the
direction taken by the dogs, turning off at almost right angles, and
still had a sight of him was no less true. No one had yet been near
enough to fire with effect. The bear, notwithstanding his many feints
and novel demonstrations to get rid of his persecutors, had continued
to make towards the hills where the standers were stationed. Boone
falling in with Glenn, from whom he had been frequently separated, they
continued together some time, following the course of the sounds
towards the east.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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