The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-01-11
A HORRIBLE HAG.
Au Aboris i'm al Medusa In kansas-AnacOn.
das, Vipers ard Kattlesnakes for Pe,s
and PlayIhing..

o0SS vIpOTb ubu TOT Ecl0
and PiayShing..
From the Kansas City Times.
Near the head waters of the Cache branch
of Indian Greek there resides an old Shawnee
Indian woman ny the name of Net talls.quah,
fsnliliarly called in the immediate nelghbor-
hood, Aunt Netty. She occupies small log
cabin in the rocky cleft or gulch remote
from the Aubrey and Kansas City Road, and
about one mile from the road. This old wo-
man can not be less than ninety lycsrs of age,
although she will not undo any considera-
ton state her exact age. She is perfect re-
cluse, as much so as though she. was dead and
buried. Few visit her lonely cabin, and
those whs intrude once upon her privacy sell
dom care to venture there again. An a:tache
OF this paper, in company with Mr.. Enoeh H.
Downs, sfCass County, paid visit to the old
lndisn's cabin a few days ago for the purpose
Of examining rare collection of reptiles, said
to be kept by the old squaw. After some lit
tie difficulty the cabin WAS discovered IN the
bend Of the creek, completely concealed from
view by the prscipitous rock banks, except
from the south side of the rsvine. A huge
vicious mastif woltdog showed his ugly
fangs, and for time disputed entrance to the
cabin. The door opened, and . hideous old
oHuoV tAe0S uSt appCoi uuC0 ~ Vic hpoTCIuTS,
and IN Z cultural voice said something to the
dog, which ct once retrested behind the stone
chimney Ut the end of the cabin Without
bidding the party enter the old squaw retreat
ed herself within the cabin leaving the door
open. Following the old woman into the ca
bin, our reporter and his guide were for mo-
ment blinded by the smoke and darkness.
Standing near the door for 4 few moments,
they were enabled to see the old squaw seated
upon block OF wood near 4 smoldering fire
smoking small red pipe, anil apparently un-
conscious of the presence of strangers. Mr..
Downs. we'll acquainted with the old hays
taste for whisky and tobacco, laid quantity
efeach in her Lap. The sight of these un expect.
ed luxurics had magical effect upon tho
squaw. Her small, dull, black eyes glittered
with joy, and her leathery face frightened
with satisfaction. She arose, on being made
| acquainted with the object OF the visit. drsgg-
ed out largo box and barrel from near the
| fire, which 1t first appeared to be filled with
leaves, but on closer examination were found
| to contain the old hag's family pets. Mutter.
ing some whining, sing.song words, evidently
OF endearment, she put her hand down into
the barrel aud brought fourth first huge
"b!ue racer" which hslf torpid, colled itscl
slowly into knot upon the s,ove-hearth
Then she took out several black snakes Of Va.
rious a,zes, ono of which Was not less than
four feet in length. Then she lifted out u
perfect knot Of mixed snakes, spotted, striped
and yellow, which were kno,ted and entwin.
Ell II coil a. large as halfbushel measure.
All ~ these loatllsome reptiles she said she
hal collected herself in the country around a.
bout her. Some Of them she said she had
had Tor years. Each of the snakes she called
by names, and, after laying the writhing mas,
upon the warm hearth left them to aquirm
and uncoil in the warmth generated by the
fire. Turning to tho box, she opened the lid
and pointed to a large yellow and black boa
constructor which lay colled up filing oue.hali
of the box. She caught it gently by the neck
and the tail, and lifted 1t also eat upon the
hearth, and then took theretrons huge bro vn
snake, Of variety unknown to our reporter
Each OF these monsters WAS at least four OF
five feet in length, and appeared to be far
more active and lively than the smaller snakes
She then dragged forth an old wofskln robe
from her bed IN Z corner near the fire, and
unrolled perfect medley of rattle,nakes OF
all hues, all NHes, thicknesses, and ages
These she handled roughly, rolling the squrm.
ing mass out upon the hearth, where the Wis
itor', ut = safe distance might view the loath
some sight ut leisure. Upon the walls hung
variety IF snake skins, rattles, dried
snakes heads, lizards, and pieces of dried
meat.