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

versing on various topics, occasionally slipping
glass Of wine, and partaking of some of the
rich fruits, which were placed in an old fash
ioncd silver tray at our elbows.
:" will tell you what we will do to amnse
ourselves" cried the Spanard, suddenly remov-
ing his cigar, and glancing up and down the
river Pasig, which quietly flowed along within
stones throw Of the house What say yon
to shooting alligators, my friend That will
be amusement worthy of men who have pass
ed through the trying scenes of the earth
quake with mistaken nerves What say you,
shall we go ?'
"On one condtion-that we invite nv friend
Allen to be Of the party"
" Invite him by all means" cried Don Artu-
70, with warmth. Sc will write him note
requesting him to ride over to night, and start
with rs in the morning"
| readily consented to this plan, and spent
an agreeable afternoon in listening to stories
of his adventures Before dark Allen arrived
at the Span!ard's house, and we oil made oil
preparations for an early start on the next
day. At an early hour we retired to rest, af-
ter despatching servant to hire two boats
for the transportation Of ourselves and pro-
visions to small lake up the river
We rose at daybreak partook of hearty
breakfast, swallowed few cups of coffee that
was strong enough to bear an egg, and then
walked to the river banks where the boats
were awaiting US. One Of the boats was fill
ed with our tent, blankets and provisions,
while the other, which was handsomely deco
rated, was reserved for ourselves. Four Me-
It's, or half breeds, were detailed for each boat,
to row or use their long poles, as the state of
the rivers current permitted.
The AHgad0r," said Don Arturo as we
shot into the stream, lighting a fresh cigar,
and reclining his head upon bundle of pill
lows is a peculiar animal. and it requires
some skill as marksman to kill with rifle
shot. This is the season for the females to
lay their eggs, so that we shall have plenty
of chances to hit them before they take to the
water-although am bound to confess that
they are now more ferocious than at any other
time of the year"
1t was near eleven o'clock before Don Artu-
ro gave orders to the natives to pull for the
land. We stopped under the shade Of some
large cocoa trees, unloaded the boats, and then
bidding three of the men to follow, to carry
our ammunition, started for the lake, about
mile distant The sheet of water was not
very large covering an extent of about fifty
acres but think that it was the most beau
tiful spot | ever saw. The foliage of the trees
was rank with the richness of the soil while
all along the borders of the lake, bright color
cd flowers and dense creeping vines were spread
from branch to branch, until even the sun could
not penetrate with single ray Hundreds of
birds, with plumage of the most gaudy dcscrip-
ton, were tluttcring from tree to tree, too tame
to be frightened at our approach while mon
keys, with impudent gestures, and bold defiant
chatterng, gathered in q cups, and wondered
why we should thus invade their domain.
Upon arriving at the lake, we found large
raft, built of bamboo, which had been left by
some SportSmen, Il 'ew days before, tied to n
tree. Upon this we determined to embark
and try our fortune upon the water The ia
tivcs were sent back to the boats for paddles,
while we proceeded to load our rifles As
soon as they returned, we showed off, and work
ed our way slowly along the shore
" AS am the most. experienced alligator
hunter" Don Arturo said shall claim the
privilege of the first shot and if"
There is "A chance then" Charley said, in
tcrrupting the Spanard, and pointing to what
| supposed to be large log upon the surface
of the water
the Don said, dropping upon his knees for the
purpose Of steadyns his aim, and trembling
with nervous impatience.
Well !" cried Charley, after moments
pause, " are You not going to fire ~
q In a minute amigo. Now l think I've
got him on the line"
He discharged his rife, and the ball flew
harmlessly over the alligator and struck the
water about thirty yards beyond him.
Did kill him ~ inquired the Spaniard,
sprnging to his feet
Il should rather think not" Allen answer
cd, with a laugh ; what did you aim at 2"
The alligator
Then the alligator appears 10 be very much
Obliged to you for see, he is swimming this
way, and seems determined to make US CALI
" Pull for the shore :" shouted the Spaniard
dropping upon his rifle, and gra>png paddle
Charley quietly winkcd to me, raised his ri
hc, and the next instant its sharp report re-
verbcrated over the lake, and started more
than thousand monkeys into an unearthly
chattering. | watched for the ball to strike
and saw the monster raise his head with sud
den jerk, and then lash the water into white
foam with his tail In another instant he had
disappeared beneath its surface
"You have killed him, Charles" I cred.
Not So" Allen said the ball struck
him in the mouth and tomorrow he will be as
well at ever"
lie had scarcely finished speaking when a
cry from Don Arturo startled us We turn
ed towards him. and saw that he had forsakcn
his paddle, and was pointing with trembling
hand towards half-a-dozcn black objects which
were slowly swimming towards us, and were
not more than thirty yards distant
"By all che saints in the calender, but we
are in for it," Allen said, throwing a charge
of powder into his rife, and running dowu
ball with haste
What is the matter p ! enquired
Don't ask questions but fire at the near