Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1869-05-01
A Thrilling Incident.

AnTA!Al&k Auc1Oe0t.
The following incident is extracted from
a very interesting paper in Bcntlcy's Mis-
c<lanv. entitled, "Hours in Ilindoostan."
The cobra copella is said to be one of the
most venomous species of scrpants in the
East, its bite being attended by almost i'll
slant 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 lcnta self sat
isfied smile to his countcnance, and made
us losers anything but pleasant, when he
suddenly changed countcnancc and hesi-
tated to play This the more surprised
us. since he was one who seldom pom
dcrcd, being so perfectly master of the
game that he deemed long consideration
supcrAuous.
"Play away, Maxey; what are you
about ?" impaticntly demanded Churchill,
one of the most imletuous, youths that
ever wore the uniform of Il body-guard.
Hush" responded Maxcy. in tone
which thrilled through us, at the same
time turning deadly pale
| Are YOU unwcll ?" said another about
to start up, for he believed our friend had
been suddenly taken i'll.
For the love of God. sit quiet re-
piled the other, in tone denotng extreme
fear or pain, and he laid down his cards.
"lf you value my life. move not"
What can he mean: Has he taken
leave of his senses 2" demanded Churchill,
appealing to myself.
don't start-don't move. ! tell YOU
in a sort Of whisper ] never can forget,
uttered Maxey.
"If you make any sudden motion I'm a
dead man" he exclaimed.
We exchanged looks. lie continued:
Remain quiet, and all may yet be
we'll. I've cobra copclla 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 trans
fer but one fold and attach himsclfto any
other Of the party. that individual might
already be counted rs dead man, so fatal
is the bite of that dreadful monster.
Poor Maxcy was dressed as many old
residents still dress in India. namely,
hrcechcs and silk stockings. Therefore
he more plainly felt every movement of
the snake. His countcnancc assumed a
livid hue; the words seemed to leave his
mouth without the features altering their
position, 50 rigid was the look. so fearful
was he lest the Sill htcst muscular move
mcnt should alarm the serpent and hasten
his bite.
We were in agony little less than his
own during the scene.
=" lie is coiling round" muttcrcd Maxcy.
- feel him cold, cold to my limb; and now
he thckens. For the love of heaven call
for some milk dare not speak loud J.;
let it be placed near me; let some be
placed on the floor
Churchill cautiously gave the order, and
u servant slipped out of the room.
Don't stir. Northcotc. you moved your
head. BY everything sacred | conjurc
you not to .lo so again. 1t cannot be long
ere my fate is decided. I've wife and
two children in Europe; tell them died
blessing them-that my last prayers were
for them. The snake is winding around
my calf; leave them all possess; can
almost fancy fcclhis breath. Great God,
to die in such manner"
The milk was brought and carefully put
down, a few drops were sprinkled on the
floor, and the aFrightcd servant drew back.
Again Maxcy spoke:
NO! it has no effect! dare not look
| l.... L,,x ,,, ,v.n 1o - ohout 70 u
back and give the bite Of death with more
than fatal precision. Receive me, 0 Lord
and pardon me! My last hour has come
Again he pauscs l die firm, but this is
past endurance! All, no! He has undone
another fold, and loosens himself! Can he
be going to some one clse" We involun-
tary started.
"For the love Of Heaven, stir not ! I'm
a dead man but bear with me. He still
loosens--he is about to dart Move not,
but beware! Churchill, he falls off that
way. Oh! this agony is too hard to bear.
Another pressure, and am dead! No, he
rclaxcs."
At the moment poor Maxey ventured to
look down the snake had unwound him
self, the last coil had fallen and the reptile
was making for the milk.
"I am saved! am saved !" and Maxcy
bounded from his chair aud fell senscless
into the arms of one Of his servants. In
another instant, need it be added, we were
all dispersed snake was killed, and
our poor friend was carried more dead
than alive to his room.
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