Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1885-03-27
THE oeNTIpepE's BITE.
Two Rather Doubtful Stories from Per-
sonaI Experience,

1
A few days ago Lucien Alexander re-
ceived from friend in Arkansas, a
specimen of that vcnomous animal, the
centipede Mr.. Alexander placed tho
articulatc in q jar of alcohol and has it
on exhibition at his store. Almost every
one who has been attracted by il has re-
lated remarkable incidents about its
family. The centipede is known to be
one of the most poisonous reptiles in
existence. 1t is claimed that its sting
is sure death, and an antidote for its
poison is among the undiscovered Won
ders of the world.
One of the stories related of this
species is that of an ex-soldier. He
says that when among the Ozark mount
aims a companion felt one of them crawl
ing up his leg. He knew its sting was
sudden and fatal but the varmint was on
him. What must he do to be saved
was the question. He knew itwould be
impossible to shake it off, because at the
least disturbance it would plant its fangs
into his flesh. He felt it crawling, and
as it came higher and higher on his
limb the perSpiration boiled from every
pore of his body. Every moment was
one of agony, and he began to realize
that his life hung on slender thread.
Finally an idea suggested itself. He
dealt the centipede u terrific blow, kill
ing it; but of course Mt the first touch its
fangs were inserted in his flesh. Almost
instantly he disrobed, and with COM
mon pocket-knife made an incision
around the affected part and removed
about pound of flesh. This was
twenty years ago, and the man carries
an ugly scar to this day; but to that scar
he owes his life.
Another story, more remarkable, is
briefly told A company of emigrants
had camped in New Mexico, and one
night one of the party, who was sleep
ing on the ground, was awakened by a
peculiar sensation on his toes. He
| looked and saw monstrous centipede
crawling across his foot. Only few
feet from him was the campfire, and
he could see every fibre of the reptile.
Knowing its peculiarities and the effect
of its sting, he, too, was in fever of
excitment. Afraid to move muscle,
he dared not attempt to shake it off.
After seconds pause he reached under
his Hciu anu Sou MS piStoI aiu, 'onInS
deliberate aim, fired. 1t was life
saving shot for the man; the centipede
divided and dropped into two parts on
either side of his foot. But here comes
the most remarkable part of the story.
Within an hour after the shot was fired
the men heard terrible groaning from
one of their mules picketed only a few
yards away. They went to them and
found one of them with his left fore leg
swollen TO an enormous size. The
swelling increased, as did the agony
and groans of the brute, until it died in
about thirty minutes thereafter. An eX-
animation was made and it was discov.
cred that the bullet which had severed
the centipede had entered the mules
foot Just above the hoof and inoculated
it with the poison from the reptile.
The person who related the above in
cident bears splendid reputation for
truth and veracity, and he emphasized
that it was true story. but his audi
ence nevertheless, gave him look of
suspicion. at may be true" said one,
''but I'll be blamed if l believe it. "
Louisville CoUiier-JOurNdi.