The Reader's Guide; Containing a Notice of the Elementary Sounds in the English Language Instructions for Reading Both Prose and Verse, with Numerous Examples for Illustration, and Lessons for Practice (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1845 Excerpt: ... for the encounter', come when it would. I now, therefore, braced myself for a death grapple with my terrible antagonist', fevershly awaiting her descent. Bears always descend in the same manner as they ascend trees; that is, the head is always upward; consequently, her most assailable, or, rather, least formidable part' was opposed to me. A thought quick as lightning rushed through my mind', that escape was possible', and that the bear might be the means. No time could be afforded, nor was necessary, for deliberation. Just as she reached that part where the hollow widened, and where by a jump' I could reach her', I made a desperate spring' and with both hands firmly caught hold of the fur which covered her extremities, giving at the same time a scream', which, in this close den, sounded a thousand times louder than any human voice in the open air The bear', --and she was a powerful one, --taken by surprise, and unable to get at me--frightened, too, at the hideous and appalling noise which I made, scrambled for life up the hollow. But my weight, I found, was an impediment to her; for when about half way up', I perceived that she began to lag', and notwithstanding I continued to scream', at length came to a dead stand', apparently not having strength enough to proceed. Knowing that my life depended on her going on', I instantly let go with the hand in which I had my knife, driving it to the haft into her flesh', and redoubling the noise which I had already made. Her pain and fears gave her new strength, and by another effort she brought me once more to the light of day', at the top of the stub; nor did she stop there', to receive my thanks for the benefit which she had conferred on me, but hastily descended to the ground', and made her way with all speed to th.