Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

     Mr. John K. Markill, of Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, N. Y. returned home late, having been detained by a storm, and going out some time after to care for his team, was just in the act of opening his stable door when he was seized from behind by a panther, which attempted to grapple his throat, and he was carried to the ground, falling on his back. So sudden was the attack, that for a moment Mr. Markill was partly stunned, but quickly realizing his danger he attempted to draw his jack knife, at the same time calling loudly for help. In the meantime the animal had fastened his jaws on the side of his victim’s neck, but owing to the heavy collar of Mr. Markill’s coat, which was fortunatly turned up, and a fur collar around his neck, the animals teeth did not penetrate the flesh, although the pressure, as described by Mr. Markill, was such as to almost entirely prevent his breathing. His alarm brought to his assistance very soon a large and ferocious dog, which at once fastened on the throat of the formidable foe. The animal then turned on his new antagonist, and for a moment a terrific battle ensued. After a prolonged struggle, Mr. Markill succeeded in conquering the animal with a pichfork and the dog’s help. The panther measured from tip of nose to tip of tail seven feet five and a half inches, was a brownish color, with legs rather short, but thick and muscular.