150113 the Eng $503211 @ranhfatber “Q male of jfpfe’s jferrp, notn $tanlep firings”

In as few words as possible I give the following story, which I remember having heard, and for the veracity of which I can vouch. At one time this Island was full of wild animals, the most common of which were bears.

Before bridges were built throughout the Island the rivers were crossed by ferries, and the ferry was generally named after the individual who ran it. The one which my story deals is Fyfe’s Ferry, and it was managed by a man called F yfe. This man owned a little dog that was so much attached to its master that it followed him wherever he went, and of which he was justly proud

as it at one time saved his life.

The way it happened was thus: The ferryman was one day walking in the woods near his home when he was suddenly set upon by a large bear that was evidently very hungry and was out for- aging. Mr. Fyfe managed to elude his pursuer for a short time but the bear was not to be cheat— ed out of his prey without making a good fight. Finding himself pursued, and likely to be put in a tight corner - in such a condition a man becomes desperate and brings all his wits to bear upon the situation - and being hard-pressed, Fyfe decided to climb a tree which was the only refuge near. He lost no time in putting this plan into execution, but he had reckoned without his host. He must have forgotten the bear was a good climber also and “Bruin” must have thought that he had his victim in the right place. Immediately he started up the tree in pursuit of the man. But here the bear had to reckon with an ally of Mr. Fyfe. He had only taken hold of Mr. Fyfe by the heel, when he felt a stinging sensation at his own pedal extremities, so taking part of the ferry— man’s heel with him, he suddenly descended to “Terra Firma” where he recognized in his antag— onist the little white dog. The dog suddenly disappeared, but not out of sight of its master, whom it was bent upon saving from a horrible death. Accordingly, every time the bear attempt- ed to climb the tree, the dog took hold of his heel, and finding the pain so severe from the bites, “Bruin had to come down again and again; until, finally, tired out, he sat down to watch his vic- tim whom he had treed. However the bear was not to enjoy the situation long, for the barking of the dog had aroused the fears of Fyfe’s neighbours, who thought something must be wrong, and started for the scene, armed with rifles. Taking in the situation, they quickly dispatched “Mr. Bruin”. All danger being removed, the man in the tree came down. No praise which he and his family could give to the little dog was too great - and as younger generations gather around the knees of parents, they quietly listen to the story of “How the Dog Saved

Grandfather”.

Fyfe’s Ferry mentioned is now known as Stanley Bridge, and persons may traverse this region with safety and without fear of experiencing any such encounters as described above. The

forests have fallen before the woodman’s axe. “Bruin” has also disappeared.

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