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New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 251, 22 February 1878, Page 15

»•«. ? IT3 ; IB Wagxer, a child of 13 years, on a visit from her home in Pittsburgh to an uncle who lives near Porter's Lake, was recently lost in the woods for several days. She started after her tmcle's cows but, they not being where she usually found them, she wandered off and, going further than she meant, became lost. She travelled until late in the night, when, becoming exhausted, she sat down by a tree and fell asleep. When she awoke the sun was shining brightly She again set out, thinking she would find her way home, but she had become so frightened and bewildered that, after walking all day she found herself in about the same place as she was the previous night As the shades of night began to fall the little wanderer realized her situation, and cried bitterly. Being almost starved, and her feet having become sore from walking, she gathered some dried leaves and, making a bed, laid herself upon it, and was soon fast asleep' Her sleep was interrupted by the most dreadful dreams, and several times she was awakened by strange noises, which she thought must have been made by wild animals. When she awoke in the mornin<* it was just getting light, and, brushing the leaves from her clothing" she again started. She had only gone a short distance when she heard a noise- m the bushes behind her, and, looking back, discovered a huge black bear following in her trail. She screamed at the top of her voice, and ran with all her might. But the bear rapidly gained on her, and, knowing that she must soon be overtaken, she resolved to climb a tree. The bear reached the tree as the frightened girl was ascending it, and, standing on his hind feet, made a"blo\v at her its claws just missing her frock. She maintained her hold, and after repeated efforts climbed beyond the animal's reach. The bear remained about the tree for some little time, vainly endeavouring to ascend It, owing to its small circumference, and had disappeared into the thicket only a short time before her rescuers arrived.