Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1883-07-14
Fighting ~ Serpent I'm a
shaft.

AT this time of the year danger
Gus reptiles are most frequently
seen in New Mexico. and are most
aggressive. Last Tuesday even,
ing two prospectors came into Soc
orro who relate strange exper-
fence they bad with rattlesnake
the week before. The particulars
are downright "snozy," and but
for the reputation these men bear
for veracity we would not publish
them. In prospecting about fifteen
miles east of La Joya they found q
copper float, and separated to trace
il To the lead. One of them, Ed
Bennett. on reaching hill diseov-
cred an old shaft. He fired shot
To notify his partner, and began
explorations. The shaft looked to
be about forty feet deep, and about
thirty feet distant there was an iu-
cline connecting with 1t He de.
decended by this. When nearly
ut the bottom the loose wash gave
way and he Was preci plated down
ward. tie shouted out To mis- part
ner, and was preparing to look a.
round, when 10 his horror he dis
covered that his decent had stirred
up rattlesnake. The blood.curd-
ling warning was rafting horribly
In the silent hole, and caused cold
sweat to ooze from the prospector's
forehead. The glistening ewes OF
the reptile shone upon him in the
gloom, he was too unused TO the
place To distinguish further. He
reireatea to corner, and AS the
shaft Was large one--about eight
feet square-he had time TO seize
rock and prepare himself The
serpent followed, aud springing at
him struck lis faugs In the top of
his large prospecting boots, and
coiled about his legs. Al this time
he could sec his surroundings. and
with desperation equal to the oc-
casiou, and before the reptile had
time 10 withdraw It's fangs, he
gtasped lis scaly neck and closed
his hands with vice-like grasp.
Then ensued contest between
man and reptile, desperation and
fury.
The huge serpent alternately
tightened its coil about its enemy's,
leg tiii the hIood ceased TO circu-,
late, and shook itself in the vain
endeaverur to wriggle from the
iron grasp. It's tiorrid rattle demo-
ted its furious struggles. Thepros-
pector heard the Kisses, could see
the bright greenish eyes flashing
fire, and feel the wriggling of the
scales as he held the snake, but
whether standing or thrown 10 the
ground or dashed by the tail OF his
aggressor, he held his grip, He
would occasionally yell in the
hope Of reaching the ears OF his
partner. For at least a quarter of
an hour the struggle continued,
the prospector the while growing
weaker. keeping the fangs from
his body, but feeling that his ene-
my was slowly choking to DEATH
Ise l.sehior became slow. IL writhed
less, and finally, aiIsef = ona ,.s.
struggle 1t was dead. l
The prospector continued his
yells until his partner came, being
too weak 10 rise. After some
trouble he was raised TO the surface
still grasping the serpent with his
wideIy-distended mouth and pro-
truding fangs. 1t was a long time
before he could renew, circulation
in his leg, and he is Iimping yet.
The snake measured twelve feet
aud had eighteen rattles. The
mine was christened the Serpent's
Lar, not liar. All this, happened
on May II, at 3p. -Socorro(N.
M.)1Sun. So SIS 4a