The Shasta courier., 1865-01-07
a Whimbamper and Lion Fight at the
Menagerie.

| The menagerie was in town. A rare oc
currenee was an exhibition of the wild beasts
lions, tigers, polar bears and ichnumons, in
Baltimore at the early days of wlich we are
writing. yet they came occasionally, and this
time was visited by old Nat Wheately, iol
ly, weather-beaten boatman, well known in
Baltimore as an inveterate joker, who never
let any one get to the windward of him.
He was furthermore, a sufferer of the first
class.
Nat visited the menagerie. As he entered
the Snowman was stirring up the monkeys
and tormenting the lion, giving elaborate de
scrlptlons of the various propensities and
natural peculiarlties Of each and all.
This, ladies and gentlemen, this say.
is the Afrikin Lion. A noble beast he is.
ladies and gentlemen; is called the King OF
| the Forest. l have often heard that he
makes nothing of devouring young creatures
of every description, when at home in the
woods. Certing it is that no other beast can
whip him.
MN minister - interrupted Wheatley,
Z" do you say he can't be -whi-whipped ?''
81 duz, said the man of lions, tigers and
bears.
"What w-will you b. bet l ccant fetch a
critter what will whip him ?"
81 amt bettin' man at ALL But | don't
object to taking a small bet to that same eff.
feet"
''Ill bet l can fetch something that will
whip him. What say you to h-h hundred
dollars? ?"
Now there were several merchants in the
crowd who knew Wheatley we'll, and were
fully convinced that, if the bet were made,
he was sure Of winning, so that he had no diff.
fculty in finding g backers," one Of whom
told him he would give him ten gallons of
rum if be won.
The menagerie man glanced at his lion.-
There he crouched in his cage, his shaggy
name bristling and his tail sweeping, the
very picture of grandeur and majesty. The
bribe was tempting and he felt assured
"Certing, sir. certing: | have no obiec
ton to old Hurcules taking bout with any
creter you may fetch"
sVv-very w-well, said Nat, '' it's bet"
The nancy was planked up, and the next
night was designated for the terrible conflict.
The news was spread over Baltimore, and at
an early hour the boxes Of the spacious thea
tre were filled-the pit being cleared for the
anticipated fray.
Expectation was on tip-toe, and it was
with great impatence that the crowd await
ed the arrival of Wheatley. He at length
entered, bearing large bag or sack on his
shoulders, which, as he let it fall on the floor,
was observed to contain some remarkably
hard and heavy substance. The keeper look
ed on with indignation.
Where's your animal?' be INQUIRED.
9Th th-there," said Nat, pointing with his
finger at the bag.
Well, what is it?" asked the man with
increased astonishment.
4" "Th-th that ladies and gentlemen said
Nat, gesticulating like the Snowman, ;. is a
wh-W h whimbamper
A whimbamper !" echoed the keeper
"That-is certainly a new feature in zoology
and anatomy. A whimbamper! Well, let
him out and clear the ring, or Hercules may
make mouthful of both Of YOU
The keeper was excited. Accordingly Nat
raised the bag, holding the aperture down
wards, and out rolled huge swapping turtle,
while the cheers and laughter of the audience
made the arches ring.
There he is,' said Wheatley as be tilted
the whimbamper" over with both hands,
and set him on his legs. The snapper seem
ed unconscious of his peril.
Wheately was about leaving the ring. when
the keeper swore that his lion should not
disgrace himself with fighting with such a
pitiable foe.
Very well,' said Nat ssif y-you choose
to give me the hundred dollars, :"
But it is unfalrp' cried the indignant
Snowman
The audience interposed and insisted upon
| the fight. There was no escape, and the show
man reluctantly released the lion, making
himself secure on the top of the cage.
The majestic beast moved slowly around
the ring, snufing and lashing, while every
person held his breath in suspense. Lions
are brave, and this one was not long in dis
covering the turtle, which lay on the floor, a
large. inanimate lump. The lion soon brought
his nose in close proximity to it, which the
turtle not liking, popped out his head and
rolled his eyes, while sort of wheeze issued
from his savage mouth. The lion jumped
back, turued and made a spring at the turtle
which was now fully prepared for his recep
| ton. As the lion landed on him, the turtle
fastened his terrific jaws on the lions nos
trils, rendering him powerless to- do harm
| yet with activity of limb he bounded around
the circle, growled, roared, and lashed him
self, but the snapper hung on, seeming to en-
joy the ride vastly. lisa Ta 9
! ego it, whimbamper ~ cried Wheatle,