The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1856-06-26

he had forsaken his paddle, and was
pointing with trembling hand toward
half a dozen black objects which were
slowly swimming toward US and, were
not more than thirty yards distant.
by all the saints in the calendar, but
we are in for it," Allen said, throwing
charge into his rifle, and ramming down
a ball with haste.
"What is the matter?" I inquired.
"Don't ask questions, but fire at the
nearest one. Hit him in the eye if you
CAM
did not wait for further instructions,
but took deliberate aim, and had the
pleasure of seeing the monster leap high
out of the water, and then sink from view.
ssWell DONE" Charles cried, s'load a.
gain as soon as possible. We must fight
our way to the shore, for every inch of
ground will be disputed"
glanced toward 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 alligators,
with strong expression of fear upon his
face. The rowers also had ceased their
labor, and were nearly as pallid as. their
master. Charley shouted ont something
speaking to the natives in their language,
which they understand much better than
they do Spanish. They at once obeyed
his order, grasping their oars with ener-
gy, and dashing them into the water.
they urged the ligh raft along at a rapid
rate.
1t appeared as though each discharge
of our rifles brought fresh alligators to
the surface, for saw no less than a doz-
en- with their heads out of the water,
watching our movements with great in
terest, and gradually drawing nearer, as
ifthey wished to avenge themselves for
the injury inflicted upon their companions.
Presently one much larger than the O.
theirs darted toward 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 exam.
pie when the raft was struck violent
blow, and shook as though every bamboo
in it would break. I clung to the lash
ings for support, and vainly shouted
to the natives to do the same. They Ell
ther had not understood Charley's warn
ing 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
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 me to take the other
''But tn native?" I gasped.
rs dead before this time, and they are
quarrelling 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 you life if you
value it!'
dashed the paddle into the water,
end we urged the raft rapidly toward the
landing, which was only about fifty feet
distant.
'.Look!" cried Charles, glancing over
his shoulder. .'but don't spare your
strength
| I followed the direction of his eyes
and saw more than fifty black snouts
raised above the surface of the lake, and
after short survey disappear.
.The devils know where we are!' AL
len exclaimed, without ceasing his toll;
"but I think we shall disappoint them
this time.''
4 vow a gold candlestick to Saint
at this instant the raft struck the shore
and the Spaniard. without waiting to
complete bis vow, sprang to the land,
and was quickly followed by the natives
and ourselves. We had barely secured
foothold before half dozen Shiny mon
sters rose beside the raft, and even rested
their heads upon it to be certain it was
vacated. I was too thankful at our escape
to them-but not so with Allen. He
took deliberate aim at the largest. and
fired. ~
In an instant we were covered W ith
mud and water, which the alligator in
his death struggle hurled upon us; and
then all was calm, and the monsters
body foated beside the raft. AS if by
magic every black snout had disappeared
and the waters of the lake were unruf-
fed
"a brave shot, Signor Allen.' cried
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