Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-05-16
1g39G8IGA&80U9.
The Fatal Visitor.

We had been 9laying all evening at
whist. Our stake had been goidmohur
points, and twenty on the rubber. Max
ey who is always lucky, won five success
slve bumpers which lent well satisfied
smile to his countenance, and made us To-
sers look any ything but pleased, when he
suddenly changed countenance, and hesi-
taled to play; this the more surprised US,
since he was one that seldom pondered
being so perfectly master Of the game
that he deemed long consideration super.
fluOus.
play away, Maxey, what are you a.
bout % impa,icntly demanded Church
i'll, one among the most imPetuous youths
that ever wore The uniform of a body
guard.
"HusA," responded Maxey, in tone
which thIiIled through us, at the same
time turning deadly pale.
care you unwell - said another about
20 start up, for he believed our friend had
suddenly been taken i'll.
.'For the love of peace sit quiet y re-
Joined the other, in q tone denoting ex-
IRENE fear of pain, and he laid down his
hand Of cards. If you. value my life,
move not"
"What can lie mean has he taken
ave of his senses g demanded Church.
III, appealing TO himself. =,
Don't star, don't novel tel you!'
in sort Of whisper can never Iorget,ut'
tered Maxey. "lf you make any sudden
motion I ,ro n dead man -
I'VE exchanged looks. He continued
remain quiet. and all may yet be well.
have a Cobra Capella round my leg
Our first impelse was to draw back oul
chairs but an appealing look from the
victim induced US 10 remain, and although
we were aware that should the reptile
transfer bat one fold, and attach himself tc
any of the party, that individual might al
ready be counted as dead man, so fata
is the bite of the deadly monster. Poor
Maxey was dressed as many old resi-
dents still dress in India-namely, III
breeches and silk stockings he therefore
mhe plainly felt every movement OF the
snake. His countenance assumed lIvld
hue, the words seemed TO leave his mouth
without feature altering lis position, SO
rigid was his loSk, so fearful was he les
the slightest movement should alarm the
reptile, and hasten the fatal bite. We
were in agony little less than his own du-
ring the scene.
"He is coiling round murmurred
Maxey, II feel him cold-cold to my
limb; and now he tightens-for The love oi
Heaven call for some milk dare not
speak loud let it be placed on the ground
near me; let some be split on the floor.
Churchill cautiously gave the order,and
aservant slipped out OF the room.
'Don't stir !-Northbete, you moved
your head. BY everything sacred, | con-
jure you do no, SO again 1t cannot be
long ere my fate is decided. | have a
wife and two children in Europe tell
them die blessing them the snake is
yinding itself round my calf, leave them
all ] possess-I can almos, fancy feel
his breath. Great Heaven TO die in such
q manner!
The milk was brought, and carefully
put down; few drops were sprinkled on
the Aoor. and the atfrighed servant drew
back.
Again Maxey spoke
"No, no! il has no effect; on the con-
trary he has clasped himself tlghier-he
has uneurled his upper fold I! dsre not
look down, but am sure he is about TO
draw. and give The bite of death with more
fatal precision Again he paused. !
die firm, but this is past endurance; ah !!
.no--he has undone another fold. and
loosens himself. Can he be going to
some one else !! We involun,arly star
led. "For the love of Heaven, stir not |!
AN dead man but bear with ne. He