Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-02-16
A THRILLING INCIDENT.


Miscellany, entitled "Hours in 1Iindostan." 3"
The Cobra de Capello is said to be one of the
most venomous species of serpents in the
East, its bite being attended with almost in
slant death:
1--WE had been playing all the evening at
whist Our stakes had been gold molI;ir
points, and twenty OH the rubber. Maxey,
who was always lucky, had won five consec-
utive bumpers, which lent a half satisfied
smile TO his countenancc, and made us, the
losers, anything but pleased, when he sud.
| denly changed couLtenance, and hestated to
play. This the more surprised us, since he
was one who seldom pondered, being 50 per-
fccty master of the game that he deemed
/ long consideration supcriluous. I'
'Play away, Maxcy what are you about?
| impatiently demanded Churchill, one OF the
most impctuous youths that ever wore the
uniform of the body-guard.
| Hush responded Maxey, in tone which
thrilled through us, at the same ,imc turning
deadly pale.
| Are you unwcll p said another, about to
start up, for he believed our friend had been
suddenly taken i'll.
'For the love of God, sit quiet said 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, appealing
to myself.
Don't start-don't move, tell you. in q
sort of whisper | never can forget, uttered
MaXcy.
If you make any sudden motion I'm &
dead mani he exclaimed.
We exchanged looks. lie continued:
Temain quiet and all may yet be well
I've cobra de copclla round my leg.
Our first impulse was TO draw back ON
chairs but an appalling look from the victim
induced lis to remain, although we were Il,
ware that should the reptile transfer but one
fold, and attach himself to any other Of tn
party, that individual might already h
counted dead man, SO fatal is the lite o
that dreadful monster.
Poor Maxcy was dressed as many old resi-
dents still dress in India, namely, breeche
silk stockings Therefore he more pIainl,
felt every movement of the snake. His
, 1ounteuancc assumed livil hue; the word.
, seemed to leave his mouth without the lca
ture altering its position, 50 rigid was thu
look, so fearful was he lest the slightest mus
, cular movement should alarm the serpen
! and hasten his bite,
, We were in agony little less than his OWL
during the scene.
'IIe is coiling round : mliterel Maxey
Il feel him cold-cod to my limb-and now
he thickens-fur the love Of Heaven call fol
some milk! | dare not speak loud; let il
, he placed near me let some be placed or
, the floor
I, Churchill cautiously gave the order, and
0 servant slipped out of the room.
. Don't stir. Northcote you moved you
} head By everything sacred | conjurc yol
| not to do so again. 1t cannot be long er
my fate is decided. I've wife and tw
, children in Europe, tell them died blessin,
thcm--tlat my last prayers were for them
Tho snake is winding around my calf
leave them all possess can almost fancy
| feel his breath. Great God. to die i'll sncl
a manncrv
The milk was brought, and carefully pu
down; few drops were sprinkled on the
floor, and taeratfrishted servant drew back
Again Maxey spoke:
Not has no effect! On the contrary
he has uncurlcd the upper fold! dare no
look down, but am sure hc is about to draw
back and give the bite Of death with moro
than fatal precision. li"cciTe me, Q, Lord
and pardon mc--my last hour is come!-
gain he pauscs | die firm, but this is pas
endurance-all, 70! He has undone another
fold, and looscns himself Can l,e he going
to some one else 2 We inyountariiy start
ed.
'Eor the love of heaven stir not! I'm ;
dead man; but bear with me. lle still
looses-hc is about tn dart Move not, bu
beware. Churchill. lie falls of that way
i Oh THIS agony is too hard to bear. An
other pressure and am dead. No, lie re-
lakes
A, that nioment poor MaXcy ycntuted c
look down; the snake had unwound Himself
the last coil had f,.cu, and the reptile wa
maxim for the milk.
i am saved ain sayei. aun MnXey
bounded from lis chair, and fcll oenseleS
into the arms OF one OF his servants. Ii
another instant, need it be added, we wer'
all disporsed-tl.e snake was killed, Gnd on
poor friend carried more dead than alive t'
his ROOF ;"