The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-04-10

LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

While seated one morning in the win
dow of the country residence of my friend
Don Arturo, An old Spaniard living in
the neighborhood of Manila, conversing
with him and his pretty wife on various
topics, occasionally slipping a glass of
wine and partaking of some of the rich
fruits which were placed in an old fash
ioned silver tray az our elbows, we at
length began TO feel anxious for some
scene of more activity.
II will tell you what we will do to
amuse ourselves" cried tie Spaniard,
suddenly, removing his cigar, and glanc-
ing up and down the River Pesig, which
quietly flowed along within a Stones
throw of the house.
Il listen," said l. removing the skin
from golden colored banana.
What say you to shooting alligators,
nv friend That will be amusemen,
worthy of men who have passed through
the trying scenes Of the earthquake 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. Il will write
him a note. requesting him to ride over
tonight, and start with US in the morn.
ing"
Don't trouble yourself. / answered
Il will ride over myself and ask him."
"A good plan, my friend, and worthy
of you. Order the best horss in the sta
bic, and let the servant put the old Span
ish saddle upon his back-the one that !
use.'
This was an act OF politenass that
never expected Of Don, as he priced
the saddle almost as much AS he did his
wife.
Il will be back before many hours, -
! [ 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 required nc
urging to Join him. After t e meal
made my errand known 70 Allen, VIII,
took some time to consider on the subject
much to my surprise.
There is more danger than sport il
what you PROPOSE" Allen said; but you
shall not go alone"
Il do not intend to 60 alone. Dor
Arturo is to b9one Of the party
Aud he will ruI on the first appear
ance of danger"
DO you think So ?"
81 know that he will, but will make
one Of the party. Stop here Till after
noon. and then III ride over with you.-
In the meantime viii get my rifle in or
der and send it over. to the Spaniard''
house,"
| l readily consented to this plan, ant
spent an agreeable afternoon in listening
to his interesting stories of adventure
Before dark we were at the Spaniard'
house, and made all preparations for al
early start the next day. At an earl,
hour we retired to rest, after dispatchin:
a servant to hire two large bdngos for tn
transportation Of ourselves and provision
to small lake up The river.
We rose at daybreak, partook of
hearty breakfast. swallowed a few cups 9
coffee that was strong enough to bear a
egg, and then walked to the river bank
where the boats We're awaiting US. On
: of The bangos was filled with our tent
blankets and provisions, while the Other
which was handsomely decorated, wa
reserved for ourselves. Four Metis, {
half castles, were detailed for each boa
to row or use their long poles, as the stai
of the river current permitted.
1.-The Alligator, said Don Arturo, q
we shot into the stream, lighting fres
lcigsr, and reclining his head upon bur