Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/209

DELAWARE COUNTY. 185 SO mucli the greater was their danger, as the animal was creep- ing towards them on its belly for a leap, unless it had entirely- gone off. They waited, however, but about fifteen minutes, when there came suddenly on the stillness of the night, the continued hleat of a deer, together with the suppressed yells of some animal which had the mastery of it, and was rending it to pieces. Now was the time for the Indian, who instantly bent low down, and glided off in that direction, as silently as a spectre of darkness ] while Beach, in the same manner, and as near as he could, followed after, but rather shyly, as he felt very reluctant about approaching too near the scene of action. But a few moments had elapsed, while the feeble cry of the deer, still struggling with his enemy, was heard, when the flash and quick report of a gun gave notice that the crisis had arrived. There was a rustling amid the leaves and dry brush, and the Indian stirred not till all was still, when he gave a yell such as the Indians give when a battle is won, and at the same time returned to the fire and reloaded. They now gathered from the shaggy trunk of a yellow birch, which was growing near, an armful of its dry and pendant bark, of which they made several torches, and lighting one, ventured boldly to the spot, being assured by the Indian that all danger was over, and adding that he had put a bullet between the eyes of the creature. But this proved not exactly correct, as, on coming to the place, there lay^^tretched beside the deer, which was still bleating faintly, 2k panther of the largest de- scription, having a shot exactly opposite the heart, which was found, on examination, to have pierced the lungs. The deer they now put out of its pain, by dispatching it in as quick a manner as possible ; they then dragged the animal to the fire, but delayed skinning him till morning. Being so thoroughly roused by the incident just related, they felt no inclination to sleep, and so kept up a huge fire during the remainder of the night, and kept their courage strong by frequent draughts from 16*