THE STORY OF A BEAR AND ALLIGATORS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2543, 27 October 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE STORY OF A BEAR AND ALLIGATORS.

The following appears in the Globe Democrat:— " I'omberton Ferry, Florida, July 5. Wilda and Josie Bryan, the twin daughters of G. 11. Bryan, one of the oldest settlers who lives in this section, who lives about two miles north of this station, are just now the heroines of this place. These two girls—or young ladies, rather, as they are just beyond 'sweet sixteen' are bonny, buxom lasses, and as well acquainted with the country as the best hunters in it. They, too, are excellent shots, and for limiting their record is something that Mr Bryan often boasts of. The girls take a quiet hunt very often, either on the river or in the high hammocks so numerous around here, and they put to shame many of the Nimrods or Imnters by the fish and game that they bring in. Just now the most exciting topic is a stirring adventure which the girU had the other d.iy, and in which they came off victorious, displaying great pluck and bravery. On Friday last the two girls concluded to take a day's hunt in the Great Aurantula Hammock, the upper edge of which touches the river some miles below here. Starting out early, they made good progress, and by nine o'clock were in tlie midst of the wild hammock. During the forenoon they had luck—killing a deer, a wild-cat, ten big grey squirrels, and several enormous snakes. After taking a noonday lunch they decided to oross over Alligator Creek, si wide but shallow stream that crosses the hammock, emptying into the Witlilacochee. Just before reaching the creek, they had to pass through a dense canebrane for several rods. When about halfway through one of their dogs that had lingered behind came rushing up, yelping lustily, while close on its heels was a big black bear, fierce and ugly as could bp. The path was so narrow that they had 110 chance to fight the animal, and, in fact, tho dog and bear came in on them so suddenly that little time was allowcl for reflection. Miss Josie slung her rifle around and fired at the beast, but in the confusion only wounded him. Tho girls then rim ahead, intending to get out on to the open ground to battle old brnin. But tho infuriated animal, aroHsed to madness by the rifle-ball, pursued them so closely that only scientific dodging saved them from a close hug. Emerging from tho path, they noticed the dugout used to cross tho creek lying right in front of them, and both of the girls struck with the same idea, sprang into tho boat, their impetus carrying it out into the creek. The dog was unable to got into the boat, but he bit at bruia's heels so sharply that the latter had to stop his pursuit of the girls and endeavour to punish his four-footed assailant. But tho dog w as too wary, and kept out of his reach ; the girls called him, and, plunging in, he swain out to thorn. Meanwhile the hungry denizens of the creek, whose numbers gave it its name, were awakened by tho tumult, and they began to show themselves. As the dog jumped ill, the splash attracted scores of the ugly reptiles from all directions, and the water was dotted by the black snouts of the hungry 'gators. The girls noticed this, and called encouragingly to their dog. who seemed to bo fully aware of his danger. Several black noses were already pointed in his direction, and it looked as if the 'gators might get a meal. But Wilda seized the pole lying at the bottom of the canoe, and by a skilful push sent the boat close to tho dog. Josie was waiting, and as the dog swain up she helped him clamber over the side, almost upsetting the frail vessel. And it was just in time, too, for just as the (log's legs slipped out of the water a huge pair of jaws rose out of the depths with an ominous snap. With a souse the disappointed saurian sank. While this was going 011 bruin stood on tlie bank growling and snarling in impotent rage at the dog and girls thus escaping. Seeing the dog in the canoe seemed to render him still more furious, and with a deep growl he dashed into the water and began swimming towards tho boat. Between tS-ie bear and the 'gators the girls bpgan to think their hands would be full. Wilda picked up her gun and made a snap shot at the animal, but a movement of tho dog disconcerted her aim, and the load of buckshot flew on one side, only a small number striking the bear. But they angered him the more, and with a snarl he almost leaped out of the water in his mad eagerness to reach the boat. Wilda dropped the gun, and picking up the pole soon placed the boat a rod ahead of tho pursuing animal. Josie had again reloaded her gun, and sho turned to deliver his quietus to the animal. But the commotion in tho water and tho bear's evident disquietude put a new face on matters, and she withheld her fire. The dog's yelping and the bear's growling hud evidently awakened the scaly denizens of the creek to a realising sense that it was meal-time. Missing the dog, they were not averse to bear-meat. Bruin, in his hurry to catch his first prey, had paid little attention to what might befall him in the creek. But now he began to notice the increasing number of black spots on the water, all turning toward him, and probably instinct told him that hungry 'gators, in their own element, were a foe not to be despised. With an uneasy whine he attempted to turn and regain the shore, but now it was too late. With a rush a big black form was seen to dart up against him, and in a second ho was seized and dragged under. The old fellow was game, however, and now that he had gotten into the fight, he proved no mean antagonist. With an immense effort ho plunged away from the attacking 'gators, and dashed forward for the shore. The water shoaled, and it seemed as if ho would escape. A big bull saurian dashed forward and seized the bear by one of its hind legs, while two others swam behind him to cut off his retreat. With a deep roar of rage the bear turned on the one that seized him, and with one stroke of his paw clawed out the 'gator's eyes. The latter bellowed with pain, and, thrashing the water madly, plunged forward at bruin. Other 'gators joined in, and the poor animal was beset on all sides. Sitting on his haunches, with the blood flowing from a gaping wound on his hind leg, the bear snapped, clawed and bit at his savage antagonists ; but they were too many for him. Another seized one of his legs in its powerful jaws, and, with a strong effort, drew the bear off into deeper water; others dashed at him from all sides, snapping at him from every point. The water splashed high, and was churned into snowy whiteness by the furious efforts of the fighters, save where the red blood told the tale. But a few moments longer did the unequal struggle last. Bruin strove to regain his feet, but tho cruel jaws of the reptiles closed on his legs, sides, and whatever a hold could be secured, and with one might}', agonising roar the bear disappeared, while the furious struggle continued under water for several seconds. Bits of flosh and the blood-dyed waters, however, pointed to the bear's fate, and the hyenas of the water fought among themselves for the morsels of meat. The girls had gazed on tho fisht spellbound, but now they were rudely aroused to their own peril. The dog had barked loudly during the savage fight going on so near, and the 'gators who missed bear-meat seemed to be after dog's flesh. The canoe rocked, almost overturning, and the startled girls saw a monstrous pair of open jaws right at the side of their small craft. Josie pushed her rifle-barrel right into the 'gator's month, and pulled the trigger, sending a bullet where it evidently didn't agree, judging from the reptile's sudden sinking and thrashing about. A moment later a huge tail came flying over the bow of the boat, and striking tho dog, who stood there barking, knocked him into the water. A big pair of wideopen jaws was just about to close on the tempting morsel, when Wilda stooped down, and, catching the dog's forepaws, by a sudden effort drew him into the boat, tbe saurian's jaws closing with a snap that indicated a great disappointment. Tho dog cowered down in the

bottom of the bout, while tho girls attended to the other 'gators, who seemed to manifest an inclination to get into the canoe. Several shots were fired at the scaly reptiles, but their taste 1.1 blood had made them fearless. A scream from .Josio aroused Wilda, who was striving to pole tho boat ashore. Turning around, she saw her sister half drawn out of cancx?, a bite monster 'gator having seized her dress. Josio was beating the 'gator over tho noso with her rifle with one hand, while with the other she endeavoured to hold herself in the boat. Without a moment's hesitation, Wilda raised the long pole she was and, poising it a moment;, threw it at the gator's head. By rare good fortune it struck him. in the eye and penetrated h> the brain. With a loud bellow the reptile sank. For the next few minutes the brave «rirls had all they could do—one firing at the saurians as they approached too eloHeU', while the other, using the breach of her gun as a paddle, urged the cation to shore. As it touched the sand both leaped out and ran up the bank — uone too soon, either, for a big pursuing 'gator, in its mad desperation at, losing its prey, threw itself forward, crushing in tho sides of the dugout. Tho girls concluded that they had luid enough hunting for that'- day, and returned home by another route. The next day a party of men went down to tho creel; to see the scene of the struggle. Over ten big 'gators were found dead in the creek, while iu the centre several cleanpicked bones showed that bear-meat was a relish to alligators. The girls make light of their thrilling experience, but admit that they would not care to have many such. Considering the partiality ; 'gators evidently had for dog-meat, j and the clumsiness of a log dug-out, it is a wonder that the girls cscapod, for the creek is said to he. fairly filled with 'gators, and a do/,cn or more of the reptiles make very unpleasant and disagreeable neighbours "