The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1870-03-10
.sAN ExeITING scENr. 3

roads, make it difficult for the man.
ayers to make good the promises of
the agents. Such was the case with
John Robinson's Circus and Menagerie
a few days since. While performing
in Tallahassee, Florida, it was, men,
toned to Mr.. J. f. Robinson, Jr., that
he might expect some difficulty in
passing through long and dismal
swamp between that place and Quincy
on account of the large, number of
alligators who infested the ford at this
particular locality, and who are at this
season of the year very ferocious, and
watch for any unfortunate mule or
horse that may become entangled in
the numerous roots, quicksands and
holes which abound at the. ford; but
he replied, as the had already 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
fortune in getting thus far, The re-
suit of his decision, although antici-
pating some difficulty, was far more
serious than he anticipated.
At three o'clock P. NJ, January 25,
Professor Huston, who has charge of
the animals, started with the elephant
Empress, the large Bactrian camel, a
| fine thoroughbred mare and colt, and
two spotted coach dogs, to maxi 4thhe
trip to Quincy, although repeatedly
warned not to attempt the passage of
the swamp in any Other, than da. light.
He, however, went through, Before
approaching the ford, an occasional
below or roar was heard, betokening
that the Inhabitants of the locality had
not retired for the night, and sudden
plunge aud splash in the water would
denote that the enemy were on the
alert for mischief. The elephant would
every few steps, throw her trunk aloft,
emitting at the same time a loud
screech of defiance, the camels .utter-
ing low means, while the horses al
most refused to stir, and stood trem-
bling with fear while the dogs kept
zup an incessant bowling. Approach
ing the water at the ford, Huston
determined upon immediate passage
through before the alligatorshad time
to summon their Grey. ais.
Bidding the elephant enter, she
stepped boldly in, at the same time
lashing the water furiously with her
trunk the camels, horses and dogs
followed close in the rear. He had
passed itwo-thirds of the way, when
sharp yelp of pain from one of the
dogs and his sudden disappearance
denoted that the swamp fiends were
at work, and before he could collect
his thoughts the, other dog went un-
der with long death howl. He now
began to think of his own safety, and
calling to the elephant, commanded
her to turn. As she did so fearful
roar was heard from the large Bactri-
an camel, who had at that instant been
attacked. +. - ,.t
The water seemed aliYed with alli-
gators. The roaring, believing and
screeching of elephant, camels and al
ligators were terrific. They would
throw their ponderous laws open and
tear huge pieces of flesh from the
eamels, while the poor brute would
utter heart-rendine groans and. cries
for relief. In the meantime the ele-
phant was not idle. Ever solicitous
for the welfare of her keeper and
companions. she had, at the moment
of seeine them safely landed unon
the opposite shore. rushed back to the
assistance of her friend. the camel.
who bv This time was nearIv zone and
nv creating thc greatest fi,rors among
her assailants. succeeded i'm bringing
the head of the camel to the shore,
that norton beinp all that remained
of the Moor animal s,a 9s8
In the confusion that ensued.g Hus-
ton did not miss the colt until warned
by shrill scream OF neigh.e which
,eemed to come from several rnds be-
low TTnon rneb;ng down the stream
fou yo,de = torr;b,e scana 1vas nre.
eanto5 to b;s y;aw n 1vonlda seem
.hat tha dan;.ans Of r1batta,boocbeo
sv.,,n for miles aronnd had become
coon;zant of some extra attraction at
. - K HlF -4 q
had started for that rendezvous. and
mon reocb;no tbe scene of action had
nnaxnectedIy encountered both food
and onnos;t;on at the same time-for.
s;mp,taneons with the meetinr of the
coli tbev,;, mot their nnrsners and an
awfnl hattie cnsned several times it
seemed as if the colt would reach the
shore. so busy were the alligators in
A.