The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-01-01
An Africans Revenge.
From the Lowell Journal.l


The following thrilling tale is translated
from passage in Eugene Sues French nov.
el of Altar GUL. The scene is laid in Gau.
daloupe. 1t is merely necessary to premise
that Altar Gul is favorite slave, whom Col
onel Willis brought from Africa several
years before the event is supposed to have
taken place. Altar Gul always appeared
faithful to his master, and grateful for his
kindness to him--but in secret, he broo led
over the loss Of his liberty, and resolved to
be deeply revenged. Smiles shone on his
countenanee, but deadly hatred ranked in
his heart.
When Altar Gul had nearly reached the
summit OF the mountains the sun had aIrea-
dy risen, and the lofty heights of La Soufr.
riere threw their shades to great distance
across the valleys below. AS he was about
entering a sort ofdell, formed of huge block
Of granite, which seemed to have been fan.
tas.cally hcaped up around, he heard fear
! ful sound, and stopped short, it was the
| sharp hiss Of a serpent lie soon after heard
| the tapping of wings over his head, and on
looking up, he saw one of those large birds
called Secretaries, or Man of War Birds,
common in tropical climates, which having
already deserted the serpent, was making
wide circles in the air, but approaching near.
or his destined prey every moment
The serpent seemed aware of the infer.
ority Of his force--and was rapidly gliding
towards his den, when the bird apparently y
aware Of his intention, descended with the
rnpidty of lightning, and alighted 10 his
path-and with his large wings, which were
terminated with a bony protuberance, and
which served him both as a war.club and a
shield, he effectuolly prevented the retreat Of
the yenemous reptile.
The serpent now became enraged, and the
beautiful and variegated colours of his skin
sparkled in the sun like rings of gold and
azure. His head was frightfully swollen
with rage and venom-he darled out his
forked tongue, and filled the air with Kisses.
The huge bird extended one Of its wings, j.,
and with longing eye on the serpent, ad-
vanccd to the conflict, but his wary an,ago.
mist watched his movements, and with quick
motions of his body to the right and left, 4.
vaded his attacks, until finding that this
mode of warfare would not long avail him.
he at length darted at the bird, and vaiuly
attempted to sx his poisonous fangs in ala
body, and crush him in his folds. Bu, the
Secretary caught him in ono of his claws.
and with furious blow Of his beak, fractu,.
ed his skull. The serpent struggled 7io.
lently for q few moments resistance o
was useless-snd he was soon stretched life.
less before his victorious enemy.
But ere the bird had time to enioy the
fruits Of his victory, the report of muske,
was heard, and the Secretary in his turn lav
dead by the side Of his venomous antacon.
is. Altar Gul turned his head, and saw
Theodore standing on rock above him with
fowllng piece in his hand.
We'll, Altar Gul,' said the young man
sliding down from the summit Of the rock
! was not that well done p
1t was good shot, master, but I am sor
~ tina, you have killed the bird--for these
Secretaries wage war with the venemou.
serpcnts. with which cur mountains are in.
festedP And the back pointed to the dead
reptile--which was seven or eight feet long
and -four or FIVE inches 10 diameter.
'Ahr cxclaiaed Theodore--'I repre, !,
now = 70. ] do dstest these hideous serpe nj,