South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1834-11-15
MfacelIanenttg.
AN AFRICANS REVENGE.

The following thrilling tale is translate
ed from passage in Eugene Sues
French novel of Altar Gull. The scene
is laid in Gaudaloupe. 1t is merely ne.
cessary to premise that Altar Gul is a ia
vorite slave, whom Col. Willis brought
from Africa several years before the e.
vent described is said to have taken place.
Altar Gul always appeared faithful to his
master, and grateful for his kindness to
him but in secret he brooded over the
loss of his liberty, and resolved to be re-
venge9.. Smiles shone on his counte.
nance, but deadly hatred ranked within
his acknowledgements.
When Altar Gul had nearly reached
the summit Of the mountain, the sun
had already risen. As be was about
entering into sort Of dell he heard q
fearful sound and stopped short it was
the sharp hiss Of. serpent ! He soon
after heard the tapping Of wings over
head, and on looking up, he saw one
Of those large birds, called Secretaries,
common in tropical climates, which ha-
wing already deserted the serpent was
making wide circles in the air, but ap-
preaching nearer bis destined prey ev.
cry moment.
The serpent seemed aware fthe lbs
feriority Of his force, and was rapidly
gliding to his den, when the bird, ap.
pareatly aware Of his intention, des-
cended with the rapidity of lightning,
and alighted in bis path ; and with bis
wings which were terminated with a
bony protuberance, and which served
him both as war-club and shield, he
prevented the retreat Of the
venomous reptile.
The serpent now became enraged,
and the beautiful and variegated colors
of his skin, sparkled in the sun like
rings Of gold and azure. His head was
swollen with rage and ven
om-he dar,ed gu, his forked tongue,
and filled the air with Kisses.
The huge bird extended one of his
wings, and with a longing eye on the
serpent, advanced 10 the conflict, bot
his wary antagonist watched his move
ments, and with the quick motions Of
his body, to the right and left, eva.
ded his attacks, until finding that his
mode OF warfare would not long avail,
he at length darted at the bird, and
vainly attempted to fix his poisonous
fangs in his body. But the Secretary
caught him in his claws, and with
furious blow Of his beak, fractured his
skull. The serpent struggled violently
for few moments (; but resistance was
useless, and he was soon stretched life
less before his victorious enemy.
But ere the bird had time to enjoy
the fruits Of his victory, the report Of a
musket was heard, and the Secretary
in his turn lay dead beside the serpent.
Altar Gul turned his head, aud saw
Theodore on rock above him with q
fowling piece in his hand.
swell, Altar Gull" said the young
man sliding down from the summit Of
the rock-'was not that well done p
1T was a good shot, master but l
am sorry that you have killed the bird;
for these Secretaries war with the ven.
omous serpen,s. And the black poin.
ted to the dead reptile which measured
seven feet long, and five or six inches
in diameter.
'Ah!' exclaimed Theodore, Il re-
greet it now would give half my for
tune to be able to exterminate the mon
sters.'
you are right mas.er,' said Altar
Gul.' Their bite always prove fatal.'
81. IS not only that said the young
man 'but you know that my betrothed
whom II Heaven wills, |
am to wed tomorrow, has a most un.
accountable antipathy to the sight OF
one of those animals. Less SO now
than formerly, l confess. But her fa-
Their, her mother, and myself, have al
various times tried to conquer her silly
fears. We have tried to accustom her
to the sight Of them, and bava often
thrown them in her way aftcr they had
been killed and then 4,ughed at her
screams of terror
"This- is the o.aly way to conquer
her ansipashy MASTER" said the willy
African. I'm my country, we thus
our women and children TO
Signs of horror. Buta thought strikes
re. A means presents itselfof curing
her Of these foolish fears, if you can be
prevailed on 10 adopt it," And his