Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-05-30

a, Rssstt 1920
1850.
land saw that he was seated on the raft
This rifle lying by issside, and his eye
fixed upon the approaching alligators witt
I la strong expression of fear upon his face
4 The rowers also had ceased their labor
and were nearly as paflid as their master
II Charley shouted out something, speaking
Ito the natives in their own language
which they understand much better than
they do Spanish. They at once obeyed
his orders, grasping their oars with ener,
Icy 4; and dashing them into the water,
they urged the light raft along at a rapid
Frate. t1A
1t appeared as though each discharge
of our rifles brought fresh alligators to
the surface, for I'saw no less than a dog
en- with their heads out of the water,
watching our movements with great in
terest, and gradually drawing nearer, as
| if they wished to revenge themselves for
the injury inflicted upon their compan-
ions. Presently one much larger than
the others darted towards the raft and
when within a few feet, suddenly disap-
peared from view.
"Mind your footing." shouted Char.
ley. sinking upon his knees; "the brute
will try to capsize US.
l had hardly time to follow his exam
pile when the raft was struck violent
blow. and shook as though every bamboo
in it would break. / clung to the lashings
for support, and vaiuly shouted to the ma
tiyes to do the same. They either had not
understood Charley's warning, or were too
anxious to reach the shore to pay any at
tention to it, for they still padded on
when suddenly one of them lost his bal>
ance, and with wild yell, fell headlong'
into the water.
In an instant every alligator disappear
ed beneath 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 9TH
er.
But the native ?" gasped.
"Is dead before this time, and they are
quarreIlng 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 toward the land
ing. which was only about. fifty feet dis
tant.
Look" cried Charley, glancing over
his shoulder, but don't spare your
strength"
I followed the direction of his eyes. and
saw more than 6fty black snouts raised
above the surface of the lake, and after a
short survey disappear.
g The devils know where we are," Al
len exclaimed, without ceasing his toll
"but think we shall disappoint them this
time" 80
IL VOW gold candlestick to saint"
AT this instant the raft struck the shore,
and the Spaniard, without waiting to COM
pletc his VOW, sprang to the shore, and
was quickly followed by the natives and
ourselves. Wehad barely secured foot
hold before half.a-dozep Shiny monsters
rose beside the raft, and even rested theiI
heads upon it to be certain that it was va
Gated. / was too thankful at our escape
to molest them but not so with Allen
He took deliberate aim at the largest 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 bo-
dy foated beside the raft. AS if by magic
every black snout had disappeared, and
the waters Of the lake were unruff1ed.
"A brave shot. Signor Allen" cried
the Don, searching amongst the provi-
sions for something to revive his courage.
ga brave shot, and to prove to you that
appreciate tive will open bottle of the
wine OF Spain"
We did empty the bottle, and it was not
until near sundown that we left the bor-
ders of the lake and returned home. By
that time the Don fancied that lie had
killed the alligator; and as we did not
contradict him. he used to frequently
boast afterward Of his skill as marks
man.
The death of the native was hardly al
luded to by the Spaniard, for they value
not the lives of Metis in Manila.
| A WOMAN MARRIED TO A WOMAN.
Interesting Developments.
Yesterday forenoon the female dressed
in male attire. whose vageries were brief
" alluded to in yesterdays Standard, was
| 4. E..o T,,,,;on nurY,ford for nv