The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1860-02-21
A Thrilling Incident.

tracted from very interesting paper in
Bentley's Miscellany, entitled "Hours in
Hlndoostan." The Cobra Capella is said
to be one of the most venemous species oil
serpents in the East, its bite being attend.
ed with almost instant death:
We had been playing all the evening at
whist. Our stakes had been gold mohur
points, and twenty on the rubber. Max
ey, who was always lucky, had won five
consecutive bumpers, which lent self sat
isfied smile to his countenance, and made
us, the losers, anything but pleased, when
he suddenly changed countenance and hes
itated to play. This the moro surprised
us, since be was ono who seldon n ponder
ed, being so perfectly master of the game
that he deemed long consideration super
fluous.
"Play away. Maxey; what are you a
bout9" 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
suddenly been taken i'll.
"For the love Of God, sit quiet" re-
piled 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 senscs?' demanded Churchill,
appealing to myself.
"Don't start-don't move, tell you,
in a sort of whisper never can forget, ut
tered Maxey.
"If you make any sudden motion, I'm
dead man." he exclaimed.
We exchanged looks. He continued
"Remain quiet and all may yet be well.
I've a cobra capella round my leg"
Our first impulse was 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. and attach himself to any
other Ct the party, that individual might
already be counted dead man, so fatal is
the bite of that dreadful monster.
Poor Mayey was dressed as many old
residents still dress in India, namely,
hrcechcs and silk stockings. Therefore he
more plsinly felt every movement of the
snake. His countenance assumed livid
hue; tie words seemed to leave his mouth
without the feature altering its position so
rigid was the look, So fearful was he lest
the least muscular movement shoul alarm
Il ,I
We were in agony little less than his
own during the scene.
Ale is coilinr round" muttcred Maxcy.
81 feel him col-cold to my limb; and
now he thickens--tor the love of heaven,
call for some milk! | dare not speak
loud; let il be placed near me; let some
be placed on the floor"
Churchill cautiously gave the order and
u servant slipped out of the rom.
Don't stir! there Nor,hcotc, you NOV
ed your head. BIZ everything sacred |
coniure you not TO do 50 again, 1t can.
not be long ere my fate is decided. I've
wife and two children in Europe, tell
them | died blessing them-tbat my ST
prayers were for them. The snake il
winding around my calf leave them al
| possess-i can almost fancy | feel III,
breath. Great God to die in such man
ucr"
The milk was brought and carefully put
down; few drops were sprinkIed on tho
floor, and the atfIigbtcned servant drew
back.
Mot has no effect. On the contra
ry he has uncurled the upper fold!
dare not look down, but am sure he j.
about to draw back and give the bite 0
death with more than fatal precision. Re
ceivo me, o Lord, and pardon me-my
last hour is come! Again he pauses.
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 z" We involuntwily started.
"For the love of Heaven, stir not. Tn
dead man: but bear with me. He still
loosens-he is about TO dat. Move not
but beware! Churchill, he falls off tha
way. Oh this agony is too hard to bear
Another pressure and am dead! No, b.
relaxes !"
At that moment poor Maxcy venturec
to look down; the snake had unwounC
himself, the last coil had fallen, and tn
reptile was making for the milk.
Il am saved am saved" and Make
bounded from bis chair, and fell senseles
into the arms Of ono Of his servants. L
another instant, need it be added, W
were all dispersed-tbe snake was killed
and our poor friend carried more dead tina
alive TO his room.