The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-04-12
wooDsFIELD, OHIO, FRIDAY, APRIL -, 1914.

and in moment after appeared with a short,
straight spear, with which without speaking, he
plunged into the sea. A cry of horror burst from
meath the blue waters, aud like cork Immediately
appeared upon the surface For moment it see
med doubtful whether the intrepid swimmer, or
the monster of the deep, would first reach the
child The shark and La Trappe appeared equally
ambitious to seize it frst and another cry ofterror
arose from spectators, as the shark turned upon
Its side to seize its prey;-but the daunless La
lrappe at that moment stretched forth his arm and
the teeth OF the monster grazed it as he seized the
child, and with circular motion removed it from
the open mouth of the shark striking with the
sword at every opportunity against It's tough skin.
But this only rritated the ravenous adversary; and
the fears ofthe spectators increased that the daring
adventurer and the child would both fall victims to
the destroyer. A rope was repeatedly thrown,
while the sailors were still endeavoring to get off
the boat, but fell short; and was evident that La
Trappe could not longsupport the contest with one
arm Several times had the shark turned upon
its side, and opened its awful mouth to seize the
body of its fearless antagonist.
The Scotsman, taking out his null, coolly obser-
we'd:
81 dinna ken the reason why the ugly creature
gangs up and down frae the top to the bottom; but
maun beg yer pardon, wi a. Difference to yer bet
ter judgment, but maun think that it wad be unco
weel to tie block or twa to the end o. the rope
and thus wad it to'ercome the resistance o. the at
mosphere-for ye a. ken that the momentum
O. -
The hustle occasioned by the suggestion of Dr.
Mac Wash, put an end suddenly to his projected
harsngue on the philosophy of motion; and he was
under the necessity of giving an actual demonstra-
ton, by applying to his mul-and surely no man
ever made his fingers more active in applying the
Gilspie to bis nasal organ thar did the fat, gouty,
and quzzical little Dr. Mac Wash, whom the sal
lors took infinite pleasure in josting with the view
of having it said that he had been angry once in
his life.
block was attached to the end of rope as
quick as possible, for it was evident that the
strength of La Tnppe was fast declining-he being
able to avoid the shark only by watching the man.
ner OF his diving, and then removing out of his way
by swimming out of the probable place of his reap.
pearance. The large shpblock, attached to rope,
was thrown by strong armed sailor, which un.
luckily fell precisely on the head of the shark, at
the moment of its temperance. Unluckily-for,
though it stunned the demon of the deep, it only
irrltated it, and made it more ravenous for its prev
-Wrlthing under the blow, it wheeled, went
down, while yet the cry of joy arose, mode its
appearance some yards distant.
La Trappe seized the block, placed the child up
on it, and in moment made it fast with the end
OF the rope, which projected beyond the point
where the block was tied. With cry Of Joy the
the child was gently drawn towards the ship The
resustated mother rushed upon deck, and shouted
with ecstasy at the prospect of saving her only
child
Our hero was now behind the shark and between !
1t and the ship. As though the monster were con-
scous that it was about to loose its prey, not see
ing La Trappe, it darted forward, made leap at
the line, and with its teeth cut il nearly in twain
Rapidly now they attempted to draw up the child,
and every one held his breath as the rope strained
with the child La Trappe swan towards the
spot that he might protectn should it fall. The
battle commenced between him, and the shark, as
though infuriated at losing one prey, seemed de-
termlned on securing another. Twice had the da-
ring hand of our hero endeavored to plunge the
spear into the side the monster but had succee-
ded in entering it only an inch or two at the last
time. Frantic with apparent pain, the creature
succeeded in seizing La Trappe's arm, when the
cry OF horror rose from the shp the blood gushed
he extricated himself, and in an instant
plunged the spear to the hilt down the animals
hIoat-Agonized, the shark suddenly wheeled, by I
which La Trappe lost his grasp of the handle of the
pear. :
The scent ofbood, or some other cause, had now s
irawn another shark, which the spectators saw .
rapidly towards the dauntless adventu- ,
er They had succeeded in drawing up the child, ,
md restoring it to its frantic mothers arms but all
low mourned the fate of the generous La Trappe, 4
Who they already gave up as lost To the great q
oy Of all, however, the sailors had succeeded in r
aunching the boat-though great anxiety prevailed
est the second and larger shark should first reach
he defenceless foe. The oars were speedily ap- c
lied, and the rowers cheered on with the shouts g
# the spectators, when the cry burst from the lips
f Mrs st. Clair: i,
"Save him-O save him! He has tainted he is e
rowning."
AL eyes were turned towards La Trappe: he had il
indeed tainted with the loss of blood and was evil
emily drowning. The second shark was within five e.
set Of him, and the boat at eastfteen from him.
very exerton was made; and at the moment the ST
Ionster was in the act of seizing the insensible
'rm ofthe brave adventurer, sailor in the bow of
he boat snatched one of the oars, and with well I
irected aim struck the deyouring animal tremen m