The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1856-06-26
A DAY WITH. ALLIGATORS, OR,
LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINE IS
se iE.* LANDS.

t&tff LANDS. f
MAbout week after the tiger hunt Don
krturo, his pretty wife and myself were
seated at window in the Spaniards's
country residence, conversing on various
topics. occasionally slipping a glass oi
wine, and partaking of some of the rich
fruits which were placed in an old fashion
ed silver tray tour elbows.
81 will tell you what we will do to a.
muse ourselves, p cried the Spaniard, sud-
denly removing his cigar, and glancing
up and down the river Pasig, which
quietly flowed along within stones
throw Of the house. -
3 Il listen,' said I. removing the skin
from golden colored banana.
"What do you say to shooting allisa-
tors, my friend? That will be amuse-
ment worthy of. men who have passed
through the trying scenes of the earth
quake with unshaken nerves. What say
you--shall we go?"
"On one condition-that we invite
my friend Allen~to be one of the party"
..Invite him by all MEANS" cried Don
Arturo, with warmth. '1 will write him
note requesting him to ride over to-
night, and start with us in the morning" I"
.sDont trouble YOURSELF" I answered,
"I will ride over myself and ask him."
ga good plan my friend, and worthy
ofyou. Order the best horse in the sta
bic, and let the servantput the old Span
ish saddle upon his back-the one that ]
use."
This was an act Of politeness that I
never expected of the Don, as he priced
the saddle almost as much as he did his
wife.
"I will be back before many hours" I
said, as left the room to dress for my
ride.
/ found Mr.. Allen at home, and receiv-
ed warm welcome. He was about sit
ting down to breakfast, and I required
no urging to join him. After the meal I
made my errand known to Allen, who
took some time to consider on the subject
much to my surprise. @
"There is more danger than sport in
what you propose" said Allen; "but you
shall not go alone"
- az do not intend to go alone. Don
Arturo is to be one.of the party
"And he will run on the first appear
ance of danger.
ssDo you think so?,
E4I know that he will. Butt will make
one Of the party. Stop here until after
noon, and then I'll ride over with you.--
In the mean time ] will get my rifle in
order and sendit over to the Spaniard' S
house." @ -
s. readily consented to this plan, and
spent an agreeable afternoon in listening
to his interesting stories of adventures
Before dark we were at the Spaniard's
house and made all preparations for an
early start on the next day AT an early
hour "" retired to rest, after dispatching
a servant to hire two large bungos for
the transportation Of ourselves and pro.
visions to a small lake up the river.
We rose at daybreak, partook of a
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 bungos was filed with oul
tent, blankets and provisions; while the
other, which was handsomely decorated.
was reserved for ourselves, Four Metis
or half-castes, were detailed for each boat
to row OF use their long poles, as the
state OF the rivers current permitted.
Ssst'The alligator" said Don Arturo, as
we shot into the stream, lighting fresh
cigar, and reclining his head upon bun.
die of pillows, sis peculiar animal, and
requires come skill as marksman to xii
with a arife-shot. This is the season fol
the females to lay their eggs, so that we
shall have plenty Of chances to hit then
before they take to the water, although
am bound to confess that they are NOR,
ferocioiis now than at any other time 0
the year."