Wild Western Scenes | Page 9

how he would act, should Bruin have the
hardihood to face him in the daytime.
Boone and his party drew near the spot where the bear had been seen
the previous night. The two large hounds, Ringwood and Jowler, kept
at their master's heels, being trained to understand and perform all the
duties required of them, while the curs and terriers were running
helter-skelter far ahead, or striking out into the woods without aim, and
always returning without effecting any thing. At length the two hounds
paused, and scented the earth, giving certain information that they had
arrived at the desired point. The curs and terriers had already passed far
beyond the spot, being unable to decide any thing by the nose, and
always relying on their swiftness in the chase when they should be in
sight of the object pursued.
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.
"This sport is really exciting and noble!" exclaimed Glenn, as the deep
and melodious intonations of Ringwood and Jowler fell upon his ear.
"Excellent! excellent!" replied Boone, listening intently, and pausing
suddenly, as the discharge of a gun in the direction of the hills sounded
through the woods.
"He has reached the standers," remarked Glenn, reining up his steed at
Boone's side.
"No; it was one of our men who has not followed him in all his
deviations," replied Boone, still marking the notes of the hounds.

"I doubt not our company is sufficiently scattered in every direction
through the forest to force him into the hills very speedily, if, indeed,
that shot was not fatal," remarked Glenn.
"He is not hurt--perhaps it was not fired at him, but at a bird--nor will
he yet leave the woods," said Boone, still listening to the hounds.