Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/208

 184 HISTORY OP and some elk. Beneath a huge clump of hemlocks near the creek they scraped away the bush, built a fire, refreshed them- selves from the contents of their provision-sacks, and drank from a small, green glass bottle filled with West India Jamaica, a necessary help-meet in those early times. They now addressed themselves to sleep beneath Heaven's canopy, so much of it as could be seen bending over the narrow opening between the hills which embrace the head-waters of that stream. It was near midnight, and the fire had gone out, excepting a few coals amid the ashes; when the shrill, but loud and terrifying scream of some animal, awoke the slumberers from their dreams. They listened, when again the sound struck the ear, though from another quarter, and somewhat nearer. The guide being an Indian, instantly knew what kind of an animal it was, and whispered, a painter, a painter/' mesLning sl panther. With its ferocious disposition, and the best manner of encountering the animal, he was well acquainted, and therefore, seizing his rifle, examined the loading, and bid his companions be silent, but to cover the fire. During this time, the screams of the creature continued at short intervals, but still nearer. He said it was calling its mate on account of the scented game — themselves and horses — with the view of an attack by a leap from the projecting limb of some tree, or some favorable position from the ground. The agility of this animal is not equalled by any other that is known, being able to spring, when hard pushed, or frightened, nearly forty feet on a level. Its strength is amazing, as well as its ferocity and untameable- ness of disposition. The Indian had directed Beach to have his rifle in order, as he might have use for it, although not much acquainted with its powers as a hunter. This being done, they listened in almost breathless silence with the expectation of hearing more yells, but in this they were disappointed, as no sound of the animal could be heard. As to this the Indian said in a whisper.