In Passing Through A Narrow Ravine, He Heard A Noise Behind Him, And Looking Round Beheld, To His Dismay, A Grizzly Bear In Full Pursuit, Apparently Attracted By The Scent Of The Meat.

Cannon had heard so much of the invulnerability of this tremendous animal, that he never attempted to fire, but,

Slipping the strap from his forehead, let go the buffalo meat and ran for his life. The bear did not stop to regale himself with the game, but kept on after the hunter. He had nearly overtaken him when Cannon reached a tree, and, throwing down his rifle scrambled up it. The next instant Bruin was at the foot of the tree; but, as this species of bear does not climb, he contented himself with turning the chase into a blockade. Night came on. In the darkness Cannon could not perceive whether or not the enemy maintained his station; but his fears pictured him rigorously mounting guard. He passed the night, therefore, in the tree, a prey to dismal fancies. In the morning the bear was gone. Cannon warily descended the tree, gathered up his gun, and made the best of his way back to the camp, without venturing to look after his buffalo meat.

While on this theme we will add another anecdote of an adventure with a grizzly bear, told of John Day, the Kentucky hunter, but which happened at a different period of the expedition. Day was hunting in company with one of the clerks of the company, a lively youngster, who was a great favorite with the veteran, but whose vivacity he had continually to keep in check.

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 285 of 615
Words from 76875 to 77148 of 165649