Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-04-12

did not wait for further instructions, but
took deliberate aim, and had the satisfaction
OF seeing the moster leap high ont of the wa
ter, and then sink from view.
Well done," Charles cried "load again
as soon as possible We must fight our way
to the shore, for every inch Of ground will bs
disputed"
/ glanced towards the Don as loaded and
saw that he was seated on the raft, his rifle
| lying by his side, and his eyes fixed upon the
approaching ailigators with a strong expres.
sion of fear upon his face The rowers also
! had ceased their labor, and were nearly Us
pallid as their master Charley shouted out
something speaking to the natives in their own
language, which they understand much better
than they do Spanish. They at once obeyed
his order, grasping their oars with energy !;
and dashing them into the water they urged
the light raft aloug at rapid rate
1t appeared as though each discharge of
our rifles brought fresh alligators to the sur
face, for saw no less than dozen with their
heads out of the water, watching our move
ments with great interest, and gradually draw
| ing nearer us if they wished to revenge them
selves for the injury inflicted upon their com.
panions. Presently one much larger than the
others darted towards the raft (; and when
within few feet suddenly disappeared from
view
mind your footing" shouted Charley.
sinking upon his knees, the brute will try
to capsZe u.s."
had hardly time to follow his example
when the raft was struck violent blow, and
shook as though every bamboo in it would
break clung to the lashings for support,
and vainly shouted to the natives to do the
same. They either did not understand Char.
ley's warning or were too anxious to reach
the shore to pay any attention TO it, for they
still padded on-when suddenly one of them
lost his balance, and with wild yell, fell head.
long into the water.
In an Instant every alligator disappeared
be meath the surface, and only few bubbles
which slowly rose, told of the struggle that
was going on beneath.
Now for the paddles :" shouted Allen.
springing to his feet and grasping one, while
he motioned to me to take the other
But the native ?" gasped
Is dead before this time, and they are
quarrelng over his bones below They have
tasted blood and if we do not reach the shore
before he is eaten there will be another victim.
Pull for your life, if you value it,"
dashed the paddle into the water, and We
! urged the raft rapidly towards the landing,
which was only about fifty feet distant
Look" cried Charley, glancing over his
shoulder, " but don't spare your strength"
followedthe direction of his eyes, and saw
more than fifty black snouts raised above the
surface Of the lake, and after short survey
disappear.
The desis know where we are" Allen ex-
claimed, without ceasing his toll but We
shall disappont them this time"
Il VOW gold candlestck to Saint
| At this instant the raft struck the shore,
and the Spaniard without waiting to complete
! the vow, sprang to the land, and was quickly
! followed by the natives and ourselves. We
had barely secured q foothold before halfa-
! dozen slimy monsters rose beside the raft,
and even rested their heads upon it, to be GER
| tain that it was vacated. / was too thankful
at our escape TO molest them but not so with
| Allen He took deliberate aim at the lar
| gcst, and fired.
In an instant we were covered with mud
! and water which the alligator in his death
struggle hurled upon us and then all was
calm and the monsters dead body foated be-
s Ge the raft As if by magic every black
snout had disappeared, and the waters of the
lake were uurutiied The death Of the ma
tive was hardly alluded to by the Spaniard.
for they value not the lives of mctis in Ma
nilla.