The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-04-20
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Fifth at Whist.

a
We had been playing all the evening at
whist, says Lieut.. Col. Adison, distinguish
ed British Officer, stationed in India. Our
stake had been gold mohur points, and
twenty on the rubber. Maxey, who was al
ways lucky, had won five consecutive bump
ers, which lent self satisfied smile to his
countenance, and made us, the losers, look
anything but pleased, when he suddenly
changed countenance and hesitatcd to play.
This the more surprised us since he was one
who seldom pondered, being so perfectly
master Of the game that he deemed long con-
sideration supcrfuous.
''Play away, Maxey, what are you about:'
impatiently demanded Churchill, one Of the
most impetuous youths that ever wore the
uniform of the body guard. .-.s
''Hushr' responded Maxey, ina tone that
thrilled through US, ut the same time turn.
ing deadly pale. $780,.
"Are you unwell?'' said another, about to
start up, for he believed our friend had been
suddenly taken ill.
''For the love of God, sit quiet" rejoined
the other, in tone denoting extreme fear or
pain, and he laid down his cards. "If you
value my life, move not
"What can he mean? Has he taken leave
Of his senses?" demanded Churchill, appeal.
ing to myself -.
Don't start-don't move, l tell your" in
asort of whisper never can forget, uttered
Maxey. ''If you make any sudden motion,
am dead mani p
We exchanged looks. He continued:
Remain quiet, and all may be well. I
have Cobra Copella round my lcgr'
Our first impulse was to draw back our
chairs, but the victims appealing look in
duced us to remain, although we were per-
fectly aware that, should the reptile trans
fer but one fold and attach himself to any
other of the party, that individual might al
ready be counted dead man, so fatal is the
bite of that dreaded monster. Poor Maxey
was dressed as many old residents still dress
in India, namely, brooches and silk stock
ings; he therefore more plainly felt every
moment of the snake. His countenance
assumed livid hue; the words seeming to
leave his mouth without altering its posi-
ton, so rigid was his look, so fearful was he
lest the slightest muscular movement
should alarm the serpent and hasten its
fatal bite. Wewere in agony little less than
his.
"Ile is coiling round" murmured Max
ey; ~ feel him cold--cold to my limb !;
and now he tightens. For the love of heav-
en- 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 of the room.
'Don't stir! Northcote you moved your
head. By everything sacred, conjure you
not to do so again! 1t can not be long ere
my fate is decided. have wife and two
children in Europe; tell them died bless
ing them-that my last prayers were for
them. The snake is winding itself round
my calf. leave them all possess. can
almost fancy feel his breath! Great God,
to die in such manncrr'
The milk was brought and carefully put
down, few drops were sprinkled on the
floor and the affrighted servants drew back
Again Maxey spoke:
mo, no, it has no affect; on the contrary,
he has clasped himself tighter-he has un-
curled his upper fold! Idarc not look down,
but am sure he is about to draw back and
give the bite of death with more fatal prcci-
sion. Receive me, 0 Lord, and pardon me
My last hour is come"
Again he pauses:
II die firm, but this is past endurance
All, no! he has undone another fold and
loosens himself. Can he be going to some
one else?"
We involuntarily started.
''For the love Of heaven, stir not-I am a
dead man, but bear with me. lie still loos-
ens-he is about to dart Move not, but
beware. Churchill, he falls off that way
Oh this anguish is too hard to bear
Another pressure and am dead. Oh, he
relaxes."
At that moment poor Maxey yentured to
look down. The snake had unwound him.
self; the last coil had fallen and the reptile
was making for the milk.
II am savcd-savedr' and Maxey bound
cd from the chair, and fell scnseless into the
arms Of one Of his servants. Another in
slant (need it be said p we were all dispers-
cd, the snake was killed and our poor friend
carried, more dead than alive, to his room.
That scene l can never forget; it dwells on
my memory still, strengthed by the fate Of
poor Maxey, who from that hour, pined in
hopeless imbecihty.