A THRILLING EXPERIENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2588, 30 November 1893, Page 1

A THRILLING EXPERIENCE.

Bert. Barnes, a lineman in the employ of the Sunset Telephone Company, of Los Angelose, California, was sent on August 20th, to make some repairs in the Hue. Be had climbed 10 the top of a telegraph pole, aud never dreamed of a visitor like the one that came to him' Finishing the repairing, ho started to descend, when he heard a scream of unusual harshnes, shrill and deafening. Looking around, Mr Barnes was startled to see an American eagle of the largest size swoop down towards him. Dropping everything but a hammer, the liueman prepared to fight. The eagle darted upon him, and struck fiercely with talons and beak. He wielded his hammer with such effect, as to drive the infuriated bird away ; but Barnes was bleeding from claw wounds and almost exhausted. He drew a breath of relief and prepared to descend the pole, when once more the shadow of the bird fell on him, and the creature was making a second attack. The lineman waited till the bird was right ou him, aud then he stunned it by a blow from the hammer. It fell to the ground, and the man hastened down and securely bound the great bird before it recovered. It was of tremendous size. Barnes was badly lacerated on the face aud shoulders, but managed to save his eyes.