The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1859-02-16
iNUMBEl, 80
THRILLING STORY.

We bad been playing all the evening at
whist. Our stake had been gold mohur
and twenty on the rubber. Maxev, who was
always lucky, had won FIVE consecutive pun
pers, which lent a self satisfied smile to his
coutenance, and made US, the losers, loob
anything but pleased, when he suddenly
changed countenance and hestated to play.
his the more surprised US, since he was one
who seldom poudered, being so perfectly
master Of the game that he deemed long con
Sideration supertIuous.
Play away, Maxey; what arc YOU aboutr
impatientIy demanded Churchill one of the
most impetuous youths that ever wore the
Uniform OF the bodyGuafI.
! 'nush.' responded Maxey, in a tone which
thrilled through US, at the same time turning
deadly pale.
/ Are you unwell?' sail another, about to
start NJ, for he believed that our friend had
suddenly been taken ILL.,.
For the love of God, keep quiet reioin-
ed the other in tone dcnotng extreme fear
or pain, and he laid down his ards.-If you
value my life, move not.
w hat can he mean Las he taken leave
! OF his senses" demanded Churchill, appeal
/ ing to myself.
/ Don't start--don't move. I tell you" (in
sort OF whisper eau never forget,) utter
ed Mayey. If you made any sudden motion
am dead man..
We exchanged looks. lie continued
Remain quiet, and all may yet be well,
have cobra-copelIa around my ieg'
Our first impulse wcs to draw back our
chairs but an appealing look from the victim
induced Us to remain. although we were
aware that, should the reptile transfer but
one fold ana attach himself to any other one
Of the party, that individual might already
be counted rs a deat! man, so fatal is the
bite Of that dreadful monster.
Poor MaXcv was dressct! rs many old resi-
dents still dress in India, namely in brooches,
and silk stockings; he therefore more plaia.>~
" felt every movement of the snake His
coun,cnance assumed lived hue the words
s-cuug to leave his mouth without that
feature Altering its position, 50 rigid was his
looks, 50 fearful was he least the slightest
muscular movement should alarm the ser
pent. and hasten its fatal bite.
We were in rs my iite less than bis dur
ing the scene.
lie i, co;Gng rouad.' murmcred Maxey;
4 feel him co!I-coId TO my limb and now
he t,ghten,n For the love Of heaven call for
some milk, Let it be placed on the ground
near me let some be split on the floor
Churchill cautiously gave the order, and a
servant slipped out oftho room.
Don't stir Nor,hcotc YOU moved your
head. I}y everything sacred ccnjnre you
10; 10 DO 50 again, 1t cannot be long ere
my fate is decided, have a wife and two
children in Europe; tell them that died
blessing them, that my last prayers were for
them the snake IS winding itself round
inv c.dl;-I leave them all | possess. / can
almost fancy fell his breath . Great God to
lie ~ such Manner
The milk was brought and carefully put
down few drops were sprinkle1 on the
:Ioor, and the ahrigLtsd servants drew
back
Again Naycy spoke
NO. 10, it has DO effect on the contra
". lie has cla>ped himself tjghcr--he has
uacugIcl bis UPPER foIl. | dare not look
down. but | am sure he is about 10 draw
back. and give the bite Of death with more
fatal precision Receive ne Q Lord, and
pardon me My last hour has come.-Again
he rause7 I die fra; but this is past en-
luJance hiI, no le has undone another
fold loosens himself Can he be going te
some one else" We invountary started.
For iae Ioye of heaven stir uot-l am dead
man but bear with me. lie still loosens
he Is a1out to dart Move not, bat beware.
Churchill ae falls of that way. Oh. this aro-
ny is nard to bear. Another pressure and
am dead No lie relaxes.' At that moment
!