Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-07-17
From Bentlcy'S Miscellany.
A FIFTH AT WHIST.

mohur points, and twenty on the rub
ber.-MaXcy, who is always lucky, had
won five consecutive bumpers, which
left a self>satisfed smile on his counten-
ance, and made us, the losers, look any
thing but pleased, when he suddenly
changed countenance, and hesitated to
play: this the more surprised US, since
he was one who seldom pondered, be-
ing SO perfectly master of the game,
that he deemed long considerations su-
pcrAuous.
"Play away, Maxey; what are you
about p impatiently demanded Church
hill, one of the most impeteous youths
that ever wore the uniform Of the body
guard.
"llush - responded Maxey, in
tone which thrilled through us, at the
same time turning deadly pale.
care you unwell 7" said another, a.
bout 10 start up, for he believed our
friend had suddenly been taken i'll.
"For the love Of peace sit quiet '' re-
joined the other, in a tone denoting ex-
treme fear or pain, and he laid down his
cards, "If you value my life move not.
"What can he mean has he taken
leave of his senses 2" demanded
Churchill, appealing to himself.
Don't start don't move, tell yon
in sort of whisper | never can forget,
uttered MaXey. "lf you make any
sudden move | am a dead man -
We exchanged looks. lie continu-
ed,-
Remain quiet. and all may yet be
we'll have Cobra Capella round
my leg"
Our first impulse was to draw back
our chairs; but an appealing look from
the victim induced us TO remain, al
though we were aware, that should the
reptile but transfer one fold, and attach
himself to any other of the party, that
individual might already be counted as
a dead man, so fatal is the bite of that
dreadful monster.
Poor MaXey was dressed as many
old residents still dress in lndia-name-
ly, in breecheS and silk stockings; he
therefore the more plainly felt every
movement Of the snake.-llis counten-
ancc assumed livid hue; the words
seemed to leave his mouth without that
feature altering its position, so rigid
was his look,-so fearful was he lest
the slightest muscular movement should
alarm the serpent, and hasten his bite.
We are in agony little less than his
own during the scene.
"lIc is coiling round !" murmured
Maxey; 81 feel him cold--cold TO my
limb; and now he tightens for the
love of heaven call for some milk Il
dare not speak loud; let it be placed on
the ground near me; let some be split
on the floor.
Churchill cautiously gave the order,
and servant slipt out of the room.
"Dont sir :-Northcote, you moved
your head. By everything sacred, ]
coniure you do not do so again 1t
cannot be long ere my fate is decided.
have wife and two children in Eu>
rope; tell them died blessing them
that my last prayers were for them ;
the snake is winding itself round my
calf Il leave them all ! possess. |
can almost fancy feel his breath :
Great Heaven! to die in such a man>
ner !"
The milk was brought, and carefully
put down; few drops were sprnkled
on the floor, and the allrighted servants
drew back.
Again Maxey spoke:
"No, no it has no effect on the
contrary, he has clasped himself tighter
he has uncurled his upper fold | dare
not look down, but | am sure he is a.
bout to draw back, and give the bite oI
death with more fatal precision, A
gain he pauses. | die firm but this is
past endurance ah no, he has undone
another fold, and loosens himself. Car
he be going to some one else 7" we IN.
voluntarily started. "For the love OF
Heaven, stir not am a dead man
but bear with me. He still loosens, he
is about TO dart Move not, but be-
ware Churchill, he falls off that way
Oh this agony is to hard to bear A
mother pressure, and | am dead. No
! he relaXes !" AT that moment poor
Maxey ventured to look down; the
snake had unwound himself; the last
coil had fallen, and the reptile was ma
king for the milk.
81 am saved saved ~ and MaXey
bounded from his chair, and fell sense
less into the arms of one of his servants
the snake was killed, and our poor