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

dle VA piilo"s, 10 % fSeuiidi aiiiniai, "ho
requires some skill as marksman to xii
with rifle shot. This is the season fol
the females 20 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 more
ferocious now than at any other time OF
the year"
"Did you ever kill one at single shot?"
asked Allen. initiating the Don's example,
and stretching himself at the bottom OF
the boat.
"No, l think not" replied the Span
lard, after a moments hesitation, "but |
am in hopes to do so before we return
"Humph !'' grunted Charles, raising a
bottle of red collored liquid to his mouth,
which had been wrapped in wet tiaunels
to keep cool. '..-4 ----,---
"Pull, rascals p suddenly shouted the
Spaniard, looking toward the oarsmcn.-
Pull, rascals and you shall dine Oft an
alligator if kill one
Singular as it may appear, the promise
did not inspire the men with that enthu-
siasm which one night have expected un-
der such strong temptation. They made a
grimace expressive of disgust. but bent
their oars with chetrfulnrss. and in few
minutes We shut out the burial ground by
turning an elbow of the river.
We passed numerous small villages, the
houses of which were built OF bamboo,
thatched with leaves Of the same tree, and
raised from the ground on poles, at an
elevation Of five feet. This is done to
prevent their being swept away, during
the rainy season, and also for the purpose
Of resisting the shocks Of earthquakes
flexible supports yielding as the ground
rumbles, and unless the earth opens, the
dwellings, OF the natives are more secure
than those of their masters. Frequently,
during sigh. shock have | seen the huts
sway to and fro, like trees in a strong
gale, while the occupants preferred re-
naming in doors to trusting themselves
out well knowing that if their habitations
should TALL, they would be in no danger of
injury, as the materials We're too Slight 20
break the back ot a respectable sized
| flea.
1t was nearly II O'Clock before Don
Arturo gave orders to tie natives to pull
for the land. We stopped under the
shade of large cocoa trees, unloaded the
boats, and then, biddin, three of the NJ, II
follow, to carry our ammunition, started
for the lake about dozen rods Distant
TIE sheet Of water was not very large,
covering an extent of about fif Y acres
but think it was the most beautiful 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-colored
flowers and dense creeping vines were
spread from branch to branch until even
the sun could not penetrate with a single
ray. Hundreds of birds. with plumage
of the most gaudy description, were flut-
tering from tree to tree, too tame to be
frightened at our approach; while mon
keys, with impudent gestures, and bold
defiant chatterng, ga hered in groups.
and wondered why we should thus invade
their domains.
Upon arriving at the lake, we found a
large raft, bull: of bamboo, which had
been left by some sportsmen, a few days
before, tied to a tree. Upon this We de-
termined to embark, and try our fortune
upon the water. The natives were sen,
back to the boats for paddles, while We
proceeded to load our rifles. AS soon as
they returned, We showed off, and worked
our way slowly along the shore.
LAS | am the most experienced alliga.
tor hun'er,' Don Arturo said, Il shall
claim the privilege Of the first shot, and
"There is chance, them" Charlie said
Iintcrrupting the Spaniard and pointing te
what supposed to be a large log upor
the surface of the wafer.
"By Sa mt Antonio but you are right !!
the Don said, dropping upon his knees
for the purpose OF s,eadying his aim
and trembling with nervous impatience.
well" cried Charlie. after mo
ment's pause, ARE you not going ts
FIRE %
"In minute, amigo. Now thinl
I've got him on line
He discharged his rife, and the bal
flew harmlessIy over the alligator, ans
struck the water about thirty yards beyond
him.
"Did l kill him 20 inquired the Span
lard, sprinsing to his fees.
81 should rather think not" answered
} Allen, with laugh, "whav did you ain
at ?"
"Tho alligator"
"Then the alligator appears to be very
) much obliged to you for see, he is swim
ming this way. and seems determined t,
make us call"
"Pull for the shore !" shouted the Span
lard, dropping his rifle and graspiny
, paddle.
! Charlie quietly winked to me. raises
! his rifle. and the next instant its shaI]
: report reverbra ed over The lake. ant
} started more than thousand monkeys in
J to an unsarthly chat,ering. waited 10
the ball to strike, and saw the monste
4 raise his head with sudden jerk, an'
f then lash the water into white foam wit
a his tail. In another instant it had disap
,a,rnl bana.th ;tS surfaca