Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-08-03
A Fifth Mt Whist.

We had been playing all the evening at
whist, says Lieut.. Col. Addison, distinguish
ed British officer stationed in India. Our
stake had been gold mohur points, and twcn-
ty on the rubber. Maxey, who was always
lucky, had won five consecutive bumpers,
which lent a selfsatisfed smile to his coun-
tenance, and made us, the losers, look anything
but pleased, when he suddenly changed coun-
tenance, and hesitated to play. This the
more surprised US since he was one who sell
dom pondered, being so perfectly master of
the game that he deemed long consideration
superhuous. "Play away, Max, what are
you about" impatiently demanded Churchill,
one of the most impetuous youths that ever
wore the uniform of the body guard. "Hush!'
responded Maxey, in tone which thrilled
through US, at the same time turning deadly
pale. "Are you uuwell?" said another, about
to start up, for he believed our friend had sud.
denly been taken i'll. "For Heavens sake,
sit quiet" !" rejoined the other, in tone demo-
ting extreme fear or pain, and be laid down
his cards. "If you value my life, move not. .
aWhst can he mean? Has he taken leave
of his senses?' demanded Churchill, appeal.
ing to myself "Don't start-don't move, l
til you y in a sort of whisper never can
forget, uttered Maxey. "lf you make any
sudden motion am dead mani" We ex-
changed looks. He continued " Remain
quiet, and all may yet bdswell. have cobra
capella round my leg!"
Our first impulse was to draw back our
chairs, but the victims appealing look induced
US to remain, although we We're aware that,
should the reptile transfer but one fold, and
attach himself to any other of the party, that
individual might already be counted as a
dead man, so fatal is the bite of that dreaded
monster. Poor Maxey was dressed as many
old residents still dress in India, namely, in
breeches and silk stockings; he therefore the
more plainly felt every movement of the snake.
His countenance assumed livid hue; the
words seeming to leave his mouth without
that feature altering its position, SO rigid was
his look, so fearful was he lest the slightest
muscular movement should alarm the serpent
and hasten his fatal bite. We were in agony
little less than his during the scene. :" He is
coiling round ~ murmured Maxey; l feel
him cold-cold to my limb; and now he
tightens. 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 servant slipped out Of the
room. "Don't stir! Northcote, you moved
your head By everything sacred, conjure
you not to do SO again 1t cannot be long
ere my fate is decided. Thave wife and
two children in Europe: tell them l died
blessing them,-that my last prayers were for
them. The snake is winding itself round my
calf. I leave them all possess. l can al,
most fancy feel his breath u
The milk was brought, and carefully put
down; few drops were sprinkled on the
floor, and the atfrighted servants drew back,
The snake unwound himself, and made for
the milk. 81 am saved-saved! !' cried
Maxey, as he bound from his chair, and fell
senseless into the arms of one of his servants
In another instant we were all dispersed, the
snake was killed. and our poor friend carried
more dead than alive to his room. Poor Maxey
from that hour pined in hopeless, imbecility
and sank into an early grave.