CHAPTER LXVIII. 



A M.ODERN PUTNAM. 



THE following is an account of an adventure which occurred t< 

 Frank Forrester, in America. A large bear was traced to a cavern 

 in the Round Mountain, and every effort made for three days with 

 out success to smoke or burn him out. At length a bold hunter, 

 familiar with the spot, volunteered to beard the bear in his den. The 

 well-aperture, which, alone could be seen from without, descended 

 for about eight feet, then turned off at right angles, running nearly 

 horizontally for about six feet, beyond which it opened into a small 

 circular chamber, where the bear had taken up his quarters. The 

 man determined to descend, to worm himself, feet forward, on liis 

 back, and to shoot at the eyes of the bear, as they would be visible 

 in the dark. Two narrow laths of pine wood were accordingly pro- 

 cured, and pierced with holes in which candles were placed and lighted. 

 A rope was next made fast about his chest, a butcher's knife disposed 

 in readiness for his grasp, and his musket loaded with two good ounce 

 bullets, well wrapped in greased buckskin. Gradually he disappeared 

 thrusting the lights before him with his feet, and holding the musket 

 ready cocked in his hand. A few anxious moments a low stifled 

 growl was heard then a loud, bellowing, crashing report, followed 

 by a loud and 'fearful howl, half anguish, half furious rage. The 

 men above wildly and eagerly hauled up the rope, and the sturdy 

 hunter was whirled into the ah uninjured, and retaining in his grasp 

 his good weapon; while the fierce brute rushed tearing after him 

 sven to the cavern's mouth. As soon as the man had entered the 



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