The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-05-02
A DAY WITH ALIGAToRsi
Life in tho PHILIPPINE Islsnds.
nr WILLIAM A. THOMAS.

Arturo, his pretty wife and himself, were
seated ut the window in the SPaniard's
country residence, converting on various
topics, occasionally slipping glass Of wine'
and pariakipg Of some Of the rich fruits
which were placed in an old.iashioned silver
tray a, our elbows. ....s.rzF
"Iwill tell you what we will do to
amuse ourselves" cried the Spaniaid, sud-
denly removing his cigar, and glancing up
and down the river Pasis, which quietly
flowed along within stones throw Of the
house. '...-. -...
az listen,n said I removing the skin from
q golden-colored banana.
"Whai say you 10 shooting allisaiors, my
friend that will be amusement worthy OF
men who have passed through the trying
scenes Of an earthquake, with unshaken
nerves. What say you shall We Co."
"on one condition---that we invite my
friend Allen 10 be one Of the party.
"Invi,e him by oil MEANS" cried Don
Arturo, with warmth. &c will write him a
note requesting him 10 ride over tonight.
and start with US in the morning"
Don't trouble YOURSELF" I answered;
al will ride over myself and ask him."
"a good plan, my friend, and worthy OF
you. Order the bes, horse in the stable,
and let the servan, put the old Spanish sad.
die u ,on his back. The one that use"
This was an act Of pOliteness that new
er expected of the Don, as he priced that
saddle almost as much as he did his vile.
al will be back before many hours" !
said rs len The room 10 dress for my ride.
I found Mr.. Allen at home, and received
a warm welcome. He was sitting down to
breakfast, and required no urging 10 join
him. After the meal made my errand
known TO Allen, took some time to consider
on the subject, much TO my surprise.
"There is more danger than sport in what
you PROPOSE" Allen said "but you shall
no, 60 alone"
"I do not intend TO go alone. Don Ar
turo is to be one Of the party"
"And he will run on the first appearance
Of DANGER"
ado you think so."
"I know he will make one Of the party.
: Stop here until afternoon, and then III ride
over with you. In the meantime ! will gel
nv rifle in order and send it over 10 the
Spaniard's house."
I readily consented to this plan, and
spen, an agreeable afternoon in listening TO
his Interesting stories Of adventures. BE.
fore dark we were at the spaniard's house,
and made all preparations for an early start
on the next day. A,Af early hour We re-
! tired to rest, after dcspa,ching a servan, TO
hire two large ban9os for the transportation
, Of ourselves and provisions to small lake
up the river. =.
/ We rose a, daybreak, partook Of hear
" breakfast, swallowed few cups Of co.,
, lee that was strong enough 10 bear an egg,
and then walked to the river banks where
/ the boats were awaited us. One OF the
banqos was filed with our tent, blankets,
and provisions, while the other, which was
handsomely decorated, was reseIv d for our
selves. Four Metis, or half castles, were,
I detailed, for each boat, to row or use their
long poles, as the state Of the rivers cur
rem, permitted.
"The aEgator.n said Don Arturo, as we
sho, into the stream, lisbtinga fresh cigar
and reclining his head on bundle Of pill
lows, ais peculiar animal, and requires
some skill as marksman to kill with a
) rifle shot. This is season for The females
to lay their eggs, so tina, we shall have
plenty Of chances 10 bit them before they
take to the waier-allhough I atn bound
to confess that they are more fsrocious now
than at any other time Of the year.
add you ever kill one a, single shot''
asked Allen, Initiating the Dou's example,
and stretching himself at the bottom OF the
boat. ......-
"No, | think not" replied the Spaniard
after moments hesitation but | am in
hopes to do so before we return"
"Humph !" grunted Charley, raising a
bottle Of red-colored liquid 10 his mouth,
which had been wrapped In wet aannels 10
keep cool. ..
:" Pull rasca!s!" suddenly shouted the
Spaniard. looking toward, The oanmen !;
"pull rascals, and you shall dine of an ali
gator il I kill one."
Singular as ], may appear, the promise
did not inspire the men with that enthusi-
asm which one might have expected under
such strong temptation. They made n
grimacs expressive Of disgust, bu. bent
their oars with cheerfulness; and in few
minutes we shut out the burial ground BY
turning an elbow OF the river.
We passed numerous small villages, the
houses Of which were built Of bamboo,
matched with leaves Of the same tree, and
raised from the ground on poles, at an ele.
,alion Of abou, FIVE feet. This is done TO
prevent their being swept away during the
rainy season, and also for the purpose Of
resisting the shocks Of earthquakes-the
supporters yielding as The rumbles, and un-
less the earth opens, the dwellings Of the
natives are more secure than those Of their
masters Frequently, during slight shock,
have seen The hu,s sway 10 and fro, like
trees In strong gale, while the occupants
preferred remaining indoors TO trusting
themselves out. well knowing that If their
habiiaiion should fall they would be in no
danger Of injury, rs The materials were toe
slight TO break the back Of respectable