288 DAN BEARD'S ANIMAL BOOK 



Cuffey was never scratched again, although 

 scores of cats had their lives pressed from their 

 bodies by the somersaults of the bear. After that, 

 whenever, 



ANOTHER CAT WAS ADDED TO THE LIST OF 

 VICTIMS, 



Cuffey expressed delight by doing all kinds of 

 stunts around the peach tree, until the slack of his 

 chain was wound in, and then reversing his acro- 

 batic feats, he would again unwind the chain. 



But neighbors now averred that the bear was a 

 public menace, and they were in fear for the lives 

 of themselves and their children, and so it was 

 decided by the artist to give Cuffey away. 



One day two rough showmen appeared driving 

 an open express wagon. The men hitched their 

 horse and went into the yard for Cuffey. 



CUFFEY DID NOT LIKE THEIR LOOKS 



and went for the men, who proved themselves to 

 be skilled athletes by tKe celerity with which they 

 vaulted over the high picket fence. 



The men of the house now appeared with boot- 

 legs on their arms, and attempted to lead the bear 

 by the chain, but Cuffey, thinking it fine fun, 

 put his toes in the ground and pulled the men to 

 their knees. 



Mandy Jane had shut herself in the kitchen and 

 pulled down the blinds and for a time she could 

 not be persuaded even to look out of the door at 



