Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-08-05
A THRILLING INCIDENT.

The following thrilling incident is extract
ed from very interesting paper in Bentley's
Miscellany for June, entitled Hours i'm Hin
dostan.' The Cobra Capella is said to be
one OF the most venomous species of Serpen,s
In the East-its bite being attended with all
most instant death.
We had been playing all the evening at
whist. Our stake had been gold mohur
points and twenty on the rubber. Maxey,
who was always lucky, had won five con-
secuflve bumpers, which lent self-satisfied
smile to his countenance, and made us the
losers, look anything but pleased, when he
suddenly changed countenance, and hesitated
TO play this the more surprised us, since he
was one who seldom pondered, being so per-
iect!y master of the game, that he deemed
long consideration superfious.
Tiay away Mlaxey; what are you aboutr
lmpatiently demanded Churchill, one of the
most lmpetutuous youths that ever wore the
uniform of the body guards.
Hush! responded Maxey, i'm tone which
thrilled through us, at the same time turning
deadly pale.
Are you unwell' said another, about to
start up, for he believed our friend had been
suddenly taken i'll.
For the love Of God sit quiet q reioined
the otherin tone denoting extreme fear or
pam HC GOWN Ills Cards. kIf
value my life move not
w hal can he mean has he taken leave OF
his senses 9 demanded Churchill, appealing
| to myself.
| Don't stir don't move, tell you,' in q
sort OF whisper never can forget, uttered
Maxey. If you make any sudden motion |
am dead MAN.
| We exchanged looks. He continued
'Remaln quiet, and all may yet be well
| have a Cobra Capella round nav ler.'
| Our first impulse was to draw back on
chairs; but All appealing look from the victim
induced us TO remain, although we were aware
that should the reptile transfer but one fold
and attach himself to any other of the party
that individual might already be counted a
dead man; so fatal is the bite of that dreadful
monster.
Poor Maxey was dressed as many old res
ldents Still! dress in India,--namelv, i'm bree-
ches and silk stockings; he therefore tile more
plainly felt every movement of the snake
lis coutenance assumed livid hue; the
words seemed to leave his mouth without the
feature altering its position, so rigid was his
iook,-so fearful was he lest the slightest
muscular movement should alarm the serpent
and hasten his fatal bite.
We were in agony little less than his own
during the scene.
He is coiling round y murmured Maxey
| feel him cold---co!d to my limb; and now
he tightens for the love of Heaven call for
some milk dare not speak loud let it be
placed on the ground near me let some bt
spill. on the floor
Churchill cautiously gave the order, and &
servant slipped out of the room.
Don't stir:-Northcote, you moved you,
head. BY everything sacred conjure You moi
to do so again! 1t cannot be long ere my
fate is decided. have wife and two chill.
dren in Europe; tell them died blessing them
, that my last prayers We're for them the
snake IS winding i,selfround my CALI leave
them all Possess--l can almost fancy fee
his breath: Great God to die in such
4 manner =
n The milk was brought, and carefully pu
, down; few drops were sprinklcd on the foo
: and the affnghted servants drew back.
: Again Maxey spoke
S Not has no effect! on the contrary, h
d has clasped himself tignter--he has uncurle
i his upper fold | dare not look down, but
y am sure he is about TO draw back and give Il,
i bite Of death with more fdta! precision. J.,
ceive me, o Lord and pardon me; nv La
o hour is come Again he pauses. Idle sr