The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-04-08
THE FATAL VISITOR.

"SSNA
whist. Our stake had been gold mohur
points, and twenty on the rubber. Maxey
who is always lucky, won five success
sive bumpers which lent a well satisfied
smile to his countenance, and made US
losers look anything but pleased, when he
suddenly changed countenance, and hesita-
ted to play; this the more surprised US,
since he was one that seldom pondered,
being SO perfectly master of the game,
that be deemed long consideration super
fluous.
'Play away, Maxey, what are you
about?" impatiently demanded Churchill,
one among the most impetuous youths
that ever wore the uniform of body
guard. -
"Hush," responded Maxey, in tone
which thrilled through us, at the same
time turning deadly pale.
care you unwel ?" said another about
to start up, for he believed our friend had
suddenly been taken ill.,
"For the love of peace sit quiet!" re-
joined the other, in a tone denoting ex-
treme fear of pain, and be laid down his
hand of cards. If you value my life,
move not"
"What can he mean? has he taken
leave of his seases?" demanded Churchill,
appealing to himself.
Don't start!-don't move, l tell you'll"
in sort of whisper 1 can never forget,
uttered Maxey. elf you make any sud
den motion am dead mani"
We exchanged locks He continued,
remain quiet, and all may yet be WELL l
have Cobra CapeNa round my leg"
Our first impulse was to draw back our
chairs; but an appealing look from the
victim induced us to remain, and although
we were aware that should the reptile
transfer but one fold, and attach himself to
any of the party, that individual might
already be counted as "a dead man, SO
fatal is the bite of the deadly monster
Poor Maxey was dressed as many old
residents still dress in India-namely, in
breeches and silk stockings; he therefore
more plainly felt every movement of the
snake. His countenance assumed a livid
hue, the words seemed to leave his mouth
without that feature altering it's position
so rigid was his look, so fearful was he
lest the slightest movement should alarm
the reptile, and hasten the fatal bite
We were in agony little less than his OWL
during the scene.
"He is coiling round" murmureG
Maxey ri feel him cold-eold to my limb
and now be tighteus--for the love o
Heaven call for some milk; [ dare no'
speak loud; let it be placed on the grount
near me; let some be split on the floor
Churchill cautiously gave-thc order, ant
u servant slipped out of the room.
"Don't stir !-Northbotc, you moyct
: your head. By everything sacred, con
: ure you do not SO again 1t cannot b;
long ere my fate is decided. | have
wife and two children in Europe; tell then
: | die blessing them; the snake is winding
, itself round my calf, I leave them al!
S possess-I can almost fancy | feel hi
r breath. Great Heaven to die in such
l mannerp'
t The milk was brought, aud carefGll
c put down; few drops were sprinklett o
c the floor, and the afiighted servant dre'
+ back.
h Again, Maxey spoke:
: mo, no! it has no effect; on the COZ
rary, he has elasped himself tightcr-h
u has uncu-led his upper fold! l dare nc
o look down, but am sure he is about t
c draw, and give the bite of death wi!
more fatal precision" Again he PAUSED
n "E die ffrns but this is past endurance
" ali! no-he Mas undone another fold, az
II loosens himself Can he be going I
t, some one else!" We inyeluntarily starte
h For the love of Heaven, stir not! a
le dead man! but bear with me- He ST
l. loosens-he is about to dart ! Move nc
,r but beware! Churchill, he falls of tn
J. lway. 0, this agony is too hard tc bca