Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1869-04-17
THE, CHRONICLE.
Clarksvllle, Saturday, April II, 1869.
A THRILLING INCIDENT.


The following incident is extracted
from very interesting paper in Bent
lcys Miscellany, entitled "Hours in
Hindoostan." The cobra capella is
said to be of the most venomous
species of scrpents in tho East, his
bite being attended by almost instant
death
We had been playing all the even
ing at whist. Our stakes had been
gold mohur points, and twenty-one
on the rubber. Maxey, who always
lucky, had won five consecutive bum
pors, which lent selfsatisfiod smile
to his countenancc, and made us loos-
crs anything but pleasant when he
suddenly changed countenance and
hcsitated to play. This the more
surprised us, since he was one who
seldom pondcrcd, being so perfectly
master of the game that he deemed
long consideration superfous.
play away, Maxcy what are you
about 7" impatiently demanded Chur-
chill, one Of the most impetuous
youths that ever wore the uniform of
the body-guard.
blush, replied Maxey, in a tone
which thrilled through us, aud at the
same time turned deadly pale.
"Arc you unwell 2" said another
about to start up, for he believed our
friend had been taken suddenly i'll.
"For the love of God sit quiet"
replied the other, in a tone denoting
extreme fear or pain, and he laid
down his cards.
"lf you value your life move not"
What can he mean! Has he
taken leave of his senses 2" Demand
cd Churchill, appealing to myself.
"Don't start-don't move, | tell
you," in a sort of whisper can never
forget, uttered Maxcy.
"lf you make any sudden motion
Tn a dead man." he exclaimed.
We changed looks. lie continued
''Remain quiet and all may yet be
well, I've cobra capella around 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 of the
party, |h.t individual might already
be counted dead man, 50 fatal is
the bite Of that dreadful monster.
Poor Maxoy was dressed as many
old residents still dress in India,
namely, brooches and silk-stockings.
Therefore he more plainly felt every
movement of the snake. His coun-
tcuaucc assumed livid hue the
words seemed to leave his mouth
without the features altering their
position, so rigid was the look, 50 fear
full was he least the slightest muscu-
lar movement should alarm the SER
pent and hasten his bite.
We were in agony little less than
his own during the scene.
"lIo is coming round" muttered
Maxey, II feel him cold, cold to my
limb; and now he thickens. For
tn love of heaven call for some milk,
[ dare not speak lound; let it be
placed near me let some be placed
on the floor
Churchill cautiously gave the order
and a servant slipped out of the room
"Don't stir. Northcotc you moved
your head. by everything sacred |
oouiure you not to do so again. 1t
cannot be long ere my fate is decided,
I've wife and two children in Eu-
rope; tell them died blessing them
that 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 in such a manner, :"
The milk was brought and care
fully put down; few drops were
sprinklcd on the floor, and the af-
irightcd servant drew back. Again
Mayoy spoke
No, it has no effect. l dare not
look down, but am sure he is about
% draw back and give the bite OF
death with more than fatal precision
Receive me o Lord and pardon me
My last hour has come. again he
p1uscs | die firm, but this is past
endurance All. no He has undonC
another fold, and looscns himself
Can he be going to some one else
We Involuntary started.
"For the love of heaven stir not
Tam dead man; but bear with
me. He looseus-hc is about to dart
Move not, but beware, Churchill
he falls off that way. Oh . this ag
ouy is too hard to bear, Another
pressure, and | am dead. No, he re
lakes
At that moment poor MaXcy ven
turcd to look down; the snake had
unwouud himself; the last coil haC
d fallen, and the reptile was making fol
the milk.
II am saved, | am saved - anC
Maxcy bounded from his CHAIR anC
fell scnselcsS into the arms of one o
the servants. In another instant
need it bc added, we were all dis
pcrscd-tho snake killed, and GU
poor friend carried, more dead thar
uliy, IN his rom,