The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1869-06-02
A Thrilling Incident.

Bentley's Miscellany, entitled "Hours
in Hindoostan." The cobra copella
10 said to be ono of the most veno.
nous species of serponts in the East,
his bite being attended by almost
instant death
We had been playing all tho even
iug at whist. Our stakes had been
gold mohur points, and twenty on the
rubber. Maxby, who was always
lucky, had won 5 consecutive bump
ers, which lent sclf-Satisfcd smile to
his countenance, and made us losers
anything but pleasant, when he sud-
ly changed oountenance and hcsitated
to play. This tho more surprised US
since ho was one who seldom ponder
ed, being SO perfectly master of tho
game that he deemed long considera-
tion supernuous.
"Play away, Maxby! what are you
about 2" impatienty demanded
Churchill, ono of tho most impotuous
body guards.
"Hush," said Maxby in tone
which thrilled through, at the same
time turning deadly palo.
care you unwcll 7" said another,
about to start up, for he believed our
triond had been suddenly ill.,
''For tho lovo Of God, sit quiet"
replied tho other, in a tono denotiug
extreme foar or pain, and he laid
down his card.
eff you value my life, move not"
"What can he mean Has he TAX
oil leave of his senses :" demanded
Churchill, appealing to himself.
sDJn't start-dou't move, tell
you in sort of whisper I can mover
forget" uttered Maxby.
eff you make sudden motion
AM a dead man 2" he exclaimed.
We exchanged looks. IIo continu-
ed
"Rcmain quiet, all may be well.-
I have cobra copolla around my
log"
Our first impulse was to draw back
our chairs; but an appalling look from
the victim induced ls to remain, al.
though wewere aware should the reptile
transfer but one fold, and attach him
self to any other of the party, that in
dividual might already be counted a
dead man, 50 fatal is the bite of that
dreadful monster.
Poor Maxby was dressed as many
old residents still dress in India,
namely, brccchcs and silk stockings.
Therefore he more plainly fclt evory
movement of the snake. His counte-
nance assumed livid hue; tho words
emed to leave his mouth, without
features altering their position, &c
gid was tho look, 80 fearful was he
lost tho slightest muscular movement
should alarm tho serpent and hasten
his bite.
We were in agony little less than
his own during the scene.
"Ho is coiling round," muttered
Maxby, "L feel him cold, cold to my
limb and now he thickens. For Tho
lovo Of heaven call for some milk.
dare not speak loud let it be placoc
on the floor"
Churchill carefully gave the order
and servant slipped out of tn,
room.
"Don't stir! Northcote you movec
your head. BY anything sacred
oonjure you not to do so again. L
cannot be long ere my fate is decided
I've q wife and two children in Eu
rope tell them died blessing then
that my last prayers were for them
Thc snake is winding around my calf
| leave all possess; can almost fan
cy feel his breath. Great God, t,
die in such manner !"
The milk was brought and careful
ly put down a few drops sprinklet
on the floor, and the affrighted seryan
drew back. Again Maxby spoke.
"No it has no effect | dare no
l,ok down, but am sure he is about t,
draw back and give tho bite of deatl
with more than fatal precision. Re
ceivo me, 0, Lord, and pardon me
My last hour has come. Again ht
pauses! I die firm, but this is pas
endurance All, no! lie has undon,
another fold, and looses himself! Car
hc be going to some one else w,
involuntariy started.
"For the love Of heaven stir not.
am DEAD man; but bear with me
lie still loosens--he is about to dart
Move not, but beware Churchill HI
falls of that way. Oh this agony i
too hard to bear. Another pressur
and am dead! No, no relaxes."
At the moment poor Maxby vontur
ed to look down tho snake had un
wound himself, tho last coil had fal
len, the reptile was making for tn,
milk. ".'-N
81 am saved I am saved |" ant
Maxby bounded from his chair ant
fell .senseless into,> the arms Of ono
his. servants. In, another instant
need it be added, we were all dis
psrsed-the snake yas killed and, epl
poor friend carried more dead thar
alive to his room.