Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-07-12

the slightest movement OF the serpent
escaped me, and every detail Of IFS ap-
pearance-size, color, shape and posi-
tion-is, alas, only too strongly photo
graphed upon my recollection. AS l
stated before, the serpent lay in three
immense coils, the triple thickness OF its
body standing as high as my shoulders.
The monster was fully twenty inches in
diam,er in the largest place. Its head
was comparatively large. It's tremendous
laws, that at times dilated 10 twice
their natural size, were armed with enor-
nous hooked fangs that fitted in be-
tween each other whom the mouth was
shut. The neck was slender and taper
ing. The belly Of the serpent was
dirty whitish color, deeply furrowed
with traverse corrugations. With the
exception OF about ten feet OF the neck
and contiguous parts which were near
" black, the body of the snake was
brown, beautifully mottled with orange
colored spots on the back. How long
confronted this terrible shape do not
know. Probably only few moments,
but TO ME it seemed ages AT length
the serpent began slowly to uncoil, but
whether for the purpose Of attacking
me or retreating could not fathom.
You have but faint conception OF my
relief and Joy when | discovered 1t was
the latter. Lowering ITS crest and Civ
ing vent TO venomous hiss, the mon
ster went slowly crashing through tho
chaparral, its head being plainly visible
above the jungle. For a moment l
could scarcely realize that was no
longer threatened by death too horri-
bic TO contemplate. There was ting
ling sensation throughout my body
from the top of my head to the soles ot
my feet as the blood again commenced
circulating III my yiens attempted
10 step forward, but so bcnumbcd were
nv limbs that fell heavily 10 the earth.
Recovering, / staggered through tho
chaparral into the open country, having
no desire but to escape from a spot that
had been 10 mo the scene OF tor
lures exceeding those of the rack. AS
emerged from the thicket | saw my
partner short distance up the ridge,
and motioned TO him TO approach.
When he did so he was greatly alarmed
at my haegard appearance and pros
tration, and excitedly inquired the
cause. In reply, | Ipointed to the ser
pcnt, then some 200 yards distant-a
sight that threw him into tho utmost
CONSERVATION. We watched the mon
ster until it finally disappeared from
view in the rocky recesses OF cllh that
over-hangs the river. We were ena-
bled to measure the length Of the ser.
pent very exactly by its passing parallel
with two trees, It's head being even
with one, while its tail reached tho
other. Mr.. Buylick has since ascer
tanned that the trees are forty feet apart.
Nv partner assisted me home, and |
have not since risen from my bed until
to-day. In spite of myself / am con
stantly brooding upon my terrlbla eX-
periences with the serpent, and even
when close my eyes in sleep, the grass
plat and its horrible, Kissing occupant
are constantly before me. am con.
vinced that change Of scene can aloEo
blunt the vividuess of the frightfnl re
collections that haunt me, and | am now
arranging my affairs preparatory to
leaving the country forever.-Cafoueras
Chronicle.