274 FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF 



of them together, and that they had killed a large buck, 

 of which they had eaten nearly half. 



I went forthwith for ray steel-trap, brought it to the 

 spot, made the buck fast to a tree, set my trap, and told 

 Mr. Little to see to it. This occurred on Friday ; and 

 after setting the trap, I went home. 



Being anxious to know how it would fare with the pan- 

 thers, I went out to Mr. Little's on Saturday evening, in 

 order to be ready ; but, there being three or four ladies 

 there, I remained till after breakfast on Sunday morning ; 

 when I started out to examine the trap. I had with me a 

 fine dog, which was at home when I saw the small pan- 

 ther, or the matter would have been settled the first day. 



When I came to the trap, there sat one of the panthers, 

 fastened in it by one foot. 



The ladies had begged me, if there was one in the trap, 

 to let him remain until I could return for them, as they 

 wished to accompany me and see the sport. So I left him 

 there, and returned for the ladies ; whereupon, there was 

 a great hunt for bonnets and cloaks. 



Mrs. Little told them that if they went out with me 

 they might get a sight of the trap, but she expected that 

 would be about all they would see ; " For," said she, "he 

 is forever playing tricks on some one or other, and I should 

 be afraid to trust him." 



But when I told them that I would not deceive them, 

 they all, Mrs. Little included, accompanied me to see the 

 fight. 



When we arrived at the place, the panther was ready 

 for a fight ; but some of the ladies were afraid to come 

 near enough to see the contest ; though, on being assured 

 that they should not be hurt, they ventured within a safe 

 distance. 



We slipped Mr. Little's two dogs at him, but tied mine 

 back The panther, having one of his hind-feet in the 



