The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-13
AN AFRICANS REVENGE.

INC ioioWihS lnTlling tale we have translated
from passage in Eugene Sues French novel Of
Altar GUL. The scene is laid in GaudaIoupc. 1t
IS merely necessary to premise that Altar Gu is ia
vorite slave, whom Colonel Willis brought from Afri
ca several years before the described is sup
posed to have taken place Altar Gul always appear
ed faithful to his MASTER and grateful for his kindness
TO himbut in secret, he brooded over the loss of his
liberty, and resolved to be deeply revenged, Smiles
shone on his countenance but deadly hatred ranked
in his heart.--Hier Jour-
When Altar Gul had nearly reached the summit of
the mountain, the sun had already rsen and the Iof
ty heights of La Soy6riere threw their shades to
great distance the valleys below. AS he was
about entering sort of dell formed ofhuge blocks Of
granite, which seemed to have been Enthusiastically
heaped up around, he heard fearful sound land stop
ped shortt the sharp hiss OF serpent! He soon
afterwards heard the hpppng Of wings his head,
and on looking up, he one of those large birds,
called Secretaries, or Man of War Birds, common in
tropical climates, which having already rod the
serpent, was making wide circles in the air, but ap-
preaching nearer his destined prey every moment.
The serpent seemed aware of the nleriority of his
force, and was rapidly rereating towards his den,
when the bird, apparently aware Of his intention, des
cended with the rapidity ofghtning, and alighed in
his path, and with his large wings which terminated
in bony protuberance, and which served him both
club and shield he elfectually prevented
tho retreat Of the vcnomous reptile.
The serpent now became enraged, and the beaut-
ul and variegated colors of his skim spared in the
sun like rings of gold and azure. His head was
frightfully swollen with rygo and venom-he darted
ont his forked tongue, and filed the air with Kisses.
The huge bird extended one of his wings, and with
n longing eye the serpent, advanced to the conflict
but his wary antagonist watched his movements and
with quick motions Of his body the right and left,
evaded his tacks, until finding this mode of warfare
would not long avail him, he length dared at the
bird, and vainy attempted to fix his poisonous angs
in his body and crush him in his folds. But the Sec
rotary caught him in one of his claws and with fu-
rous blow of his beal fractured his skull. The ser
pent struggled violently for few moments,--but
sstance useless-and he was stretched life
less before his victorious enemy.
But the bird had time to enjoy the fruits of his
victory, the report Of musket heard, and the
Secretary in his turn, lay dead beside his venomous
antagonist Altar Gu turned his head, and saw Theo
dore standing on a rock above him with fowling-
piece in his hand.
s'Well Altar Gull" said the young man, sliding
dow from the summit Of the rock, 'swas not that
well done.''
sItwas good shot, master-but am sorry that
you have killed the bird these Secretaries wage
war with the venomous reptiles with which noun
tains are infested And the black pointed to the
dead serpent-which was or eight feet long,
and four five inches in diameter
'Ah!'' exclaimed Theodore, 81 regret it now--for
do de,est these hideous serpentsl won Id give half
my fortune to be able to exterminate the monsters'
s'You are right master,' said Altar Gul--ss They
are great nuisance, and their bite almost always
proves fatal"
''It-is not only that said the young man, "but
you know my betrothed Marguerte--whomif Heav-
en- wills L am to wed to morrow has most unaccoun
table antipathy to the sight of these animals. Less
so now than formerly, confession once the name
of snake would almost deprive her of sensation But
her father, her Dlother and myself have at various
times tried to conquer her silly but deep rooted fears
of these reptiles. We have tried to accustom her TO
the sight of them, and have often thrown them in her
wa yafter they have been killed-and then laughed
at her screams Of terror.
''That is the only way to conquer het foolish antip
athy, master'' said the willy African. sin my coun
try we thus habituate women and children to
sights of horror But thought strikes me. means
presents itself of curing her of these foolish fears, if
you can only be prevailed on to adopt it." And his
eyes lighted up with CLEAN of ferocous delight
We will take the snake home with us. But first let
us cut off his head We cannot use too much pre-
caution"
esNobc fellow!' said Theodore, as he assisted
Altar Gull to separate the head of the serpent from the
body.
en- is Cemale,'' whispered Altar Gu to himself,
ssand the male cannot be far off, They proceeded
towards the house of Col. WILTSHIRE black dragging
after him the bleeding carcase of the serpent The
house in which the Colonel resided like most Of the
houses in that climate consisted of but story with