The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1870-04-08

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Thopctuetinatiu iuhs vi shuwhisn afy be-.
set with hlliiesous III Alttcs @hlls psAs~
syliAsf their daily Nvvcatl tlohs Ia this our
Southern country, which, with che usual
winter rains, heavy roads etd fotdlng
Ut streams, tnake kE very diifrult for che
iiianegefs 10 make good the promises OF
the aEfehts. Such was The case with John
Robihsons Circus and Menagerie . few
days since. While perforinihg In Talla.
hassae, Fla, it YVES mentioned 10 Mr.. j.
Il. Robinson, Jn, that he might expect
some difficulty In pushing through . long
and dismal swamp between that place
| and Quincy, on account Of tho large
number Of alligators which infested the
ford at Shis locality, and which are at
this season of the year very ferocious,
and on tho watch for any unfortunate
mule or horse that may become en-
tangled In tho numerous roots, quick
sands, and holes, which abound at the
ford but he replied as the agent had al-
ready made the arrangements for him to
go through, and It was not his nature to
turn back, he had nothing left but to
follow, trusting to his previous good for
tune in getting thus far. The result of
his decision, although anticipating some
difficulty, was far more serious than he
anticipated.
At three o'clock, p. NJ, OIL Tuesday,
January 25th, Prof. Lewis Houston, who
has charge of the animals, started with
the elephant Empress, the large Bractian
camel, the beautiful Arabian white
camel, q fine thoroughbred mare and
colt, and two spotted coach dogs, to
make the trip to Quincy, although re-
peatedly warned by Mr.. J. F. Robinson,
Jr., not to attempt the passage of the
swamp in any other than daylight. He
however went through. Before up
preaching the ford, an occasional below
inhabitants of the locality had not re-
tired for the night, and a sudden plunge
and plash in the water would denote
that tho enemy were on the alert for mis-
chief The elephant would every few
steps, throw her trunk aloft, emitting at
the same time loud screech of defiance,
the camels uttering low means, while
the horses almost refused to stir, and
stood trembling with fear, while the dogs
kept up on incessant bowling. Ap-
proaching the water of the ford, Hous-
ton determined upon the immediate pas
sage through before the alligators had
time to summon their crew.
Bidding the elephant enter, she STEP
ped boldly in, at the same time lashing
the water furiously with her trunk, the
camels, horses and dogs following close
in the rear. he had passed two-thirds
OF the way when sharp yclp from ono
of the dogs, and his sudden disappear
ance, denoted that the swamp fends
were at work, and before he could col
lect his thoughts the other dog went
under with q long death howl. He now
began to think of his own safety, and
calling to the elephant commanded he1
to turn, which she did. So fearful
roar was heard from tho largo Bactriar
camel who had at that instant been at
tackled. The water seemed alive with
alligators. The roaring, believing, and
screeching of the elephant, camels ano
alligators were terrific. They would
throw their ponderous jaws open ano
tear huge pieces of flesh from the camel
while the poor brute would utter heart
} rending groans and cries for relief. II
: the meantime the elephant was not idle
| Ever soicitous for the welfare of hel
keeper and companions, she had, at tht
moment of seeing them safely landed
upon the opposite shore, rushed back t.
, the assistance of her friend, the camel
who by this time was nearly gone, ant
by creating the greatest furore amonf
| her assailants, succeeded in bringing tn
head Of the camel to the shore, that por
ton being all that remained of tho poo
animal.
In the confusion that ensued, Houston
did not miss the colt until warned by
shrill scream or neigh, which seemed t,
come from several rods below. Upol
, rushing down the stream few yards
, terrible scene was presented to his view
1t would seem that the deniyens of Chat
!, tahooche swamp for miles around ha,
become cognizant of some extra attrac
tion at that particular point on thi
, night, and had started for the rendez
vous, and upon reaching the sceno o
action had unexpectedly encountere.
both food and opposition at the sam
, time-for simultaneous with themeetiny
of. the colt they met its pursuers, and a,
, awful battle ensued. Several times j
appeared as if the colt would escape an,
, regain the shore, so busy were the alli
gators engaged in destroying each other
but Just before the poor creature woul,
reach the land, come monster NOR
revenous than brave, would leave tn
, melee, pursue and drag it back into dee1
,, water until it finally became exheustet
and fell an easy prey to the fearful rep
,, tiles, while Professor Houston stood look
iner IN with h1ancha1 and terrified 1oobo