Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-08-15
An A frican's Revenge.

The following thrilling tale we have translated
from passage in Eugene Sues French novel Of
Ater Gul. The scene is LAID in Guadalupe. Ii
is merely necessary 10 presume that Altar Gull is
iavoG,e slave, whom Colonel Willis brought
(iom africa several years before the event, de
sciibed is supposed 10 have taken place. Altar
Gul always appeared faithful to hi, master snd
grateful for his kindness TO him-but in secret, he
brooded over the loss of his liberty, and resolved
to be deeply reveneed. Sm les shone on It's
counieuance but deadly hatred ranked in his
heart.
When Alter Gul reached the summit Of the
mountan the sun had hardly risen, and the lofty
heights Of La SauSriere threw their shades 10
great distance across the valleys below. As he
was about entering into SOIL OF dell, formed OF
hugh blocks oil granite, which seemed to have
been ianss!ioally hesped up around. he heard
fearful sound. and stopped shor.-it was the sharp
hiss OF a serpent: he 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 cl.
mates was making wide circles in the air. bu
approaching nearer his destined prey every mo
ment.
The serpent seemed aware OF the inferiory OF
his force, and was rapidly gliding toward his den,
when the bird, apparently aware of his intention,
decended with the rspid,y Of lightning, and
alghted in his path, and with his large wings,
which were terminated with bony proluberance,
and which served hun both as war club and e
shield. he e1ectualy prevented The retreat OF the
venomous reptile.
The serpent now became enraged, and the
beautiful and variegated colors oil his skin; spar
killed. in the sun like Ings of gold aud azure. HIS
head was frightfu!y swollen with Iage and ven
ON he darled out his lolked tongue, and filled
the air with Kisses!
| The huge bird extended one OF his wings, and
with longing eye on The serpent advanced TO
| the conflict, but his wary antagonist watched his
movements and with quick motions OF his body
to the right and to the left evaded his attacks,
until finding that the mode Of warfare would not
long avail him. he at length darled at the bird,
Vainly attempted TO fix his poisonous (angs in hi.
| body, and crush him in his folds. But the Sec
rotary caught him in one oil his claws, and with I
furious blow Of his beak fractured his scul.-
The serpent struggled violently for few mo
ments-but resistance was use'ess-and he wa:
soon stretched li(eless before his victorious enemy
But ere The bird had time 10 enjoy the fruit:
OF his victory. the report Of musket was heard
and the Secretary in his turn, lay dead by tht
side of his venomous antagonist. Altar Gul turn
ed his head, and saw Theodore standing on
rock sbove him with fowling piece in his hand
well, Aver Gull said The young man, slidin!
down from the summit Of the rock, was not ths
well done
II was good shot, master-but am sorr
you have killed the bird-for these Secrelarie
wage war with the venomous serpens, wit
which our mountains are infested. And tn
black pointed TO he dead reptile which wa
seven OF eight feet long, and four or FIVE inches il
diameter.
'Ah exclaimed Theodore-I regret il now
for do detest these hidrous serpents-l wou
give half my fortune 10 be able 10 esterminaie n
monsters
you are right, MASTER said Altar Gul. Tho,
are great nuisance, and their bite almos
always proves fatal
1t is not only that, said the young man. 'bu
you know tha, my beuolhed Marguerite-whon
il Heaven wills, am 10 wed Tomorrow, has
most unaccountable anlipaIhy 10 the sight Of on
OF those animals. Less so now than formerly,
must confession once the name Of snake woul
almost deprive her OF sensation. But her tathe
her mother, and myself, have at various tint
tried to conquer her silly but deep rooted fears
these reptiles. We have tried to accuson her
lhs sight Of them, and ssvs -otlsa thrown hem