The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-05-23

habitants Of the locality had not etired
for the night, and sudden plunge and
splash in the water would denote that the
enemy was on the alertfor mischief. The
elephant would, every few steps, throw
her trunk aloft, emitting atthe same time
loud screcch Of defiance, the camels ut
tering low means. while the horses almost
refused to stir, and stood trembling with
fear, while tue dogs kept up an iucessant
bowling. Approaching the water at the
ford, Houston determined upon theimme-
date passage through before the alligators
had time 10 summon their crew.
Bidding the elephant enter, she stepped
boldly in and at the same time lashing the
water furiously withiher trunk; the cam
els, horses and dog, followed close in the
,var. He had passed two.thirds of the
way, when arhnrp yelp ofpain from one
of the dogs and the sudden disappearance
denoted that the swamp tends were at
work, and before be could collect lis
thoughts the other dog went under with a
long death howl. lie now began to think
Of bis own safety, and calling to the elc-
plant, commanded her to turn. As she
did SO, fearful roar was heard from the
large Bactriau camel, who had at that J.
slant been attacked. s-'af 'ti5
The water seemed alive with alligators.
The roaring, b lowi g ard S, hreeching Of
the elephant, camels aud alligators were
terrific. They would throw throw their
psnderous jaws open and tear huge pieces
Of flesh from tie camel, while the poor
brute would utter hcart-rcnding groans
and cries for relief. In the meantime,
tho elephant was not idle. Ever solicit us
for the welfare Of her keeper and compan-
ions, she had, at the moment Of seeing
them safely landed upon tue opposite
shore, rushed back to the assistance Of her
friend, tho camel, who by this time was
nearly gone, and by creating the greatest
furorc among her assailants. succeeded in
bringing the head Of tho camel to the
shore, that portion being all that remained
Of the poor animal.
In the confusion that ensued. Houston
did not miss the colt until warned By
shrill scream or neigh, which seemed 70
come from several rods below. Upon
rushing down the stream few yards, a
terrible scene was presented to bis view.
II would seem that the denizens Of Chsta.
hoocheo swamp for miles around bad be-
come cognizant Of some extra attraction at
that particular point on this night, and
had started for this rendezvous, and upon
reaching the scene OF action bud unexpec-
teddy enc unscred both food and oppo.i-
ton at the same timc-for simultaneous
with the meeting Of tho colt they mel.
their .pursuers. and an awful battle en-
sued. Several times it seemed as if the
colt would escape and regain the shore.
SO busy were the alligators in destroying
each other; but just before the poor crea-
ture would reach The land, some monster,
moro ravenous than brave, would leave
tho melee, pursue and drag it back iuto
the deep water, until it finally became e1.
hausted and fell On easy prey to the fear.
full reptiles, while Professor Houston stood
looking on with blanched and terrified
looks wholly unable to render the least
assistance, and threatened with terrible
death should be even attempt il. AS ne
turned to retracc- his steps towards the
place where he eftthe remaining animals,
he counted the cost, He had mado the
passage, but ut terrible sacrifice. lie
came out with an elephant, one camel and
zone horse. The camel was valued ut
$4,000, and very rare. ~
The colt, Mr.. Robinson bad repeatedly
refused $1,000 for. 1t will be many a
long year before Houston will forget the
hOrrsrs Of passing through Florida
swamp at n;ght.-Fon Gaines Nirrsr.