The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-28
Editor of the Puzzle Department.
STORIES ABOUT CENTIpEDEs.
Cutting Out a Pound of Flesh to Remove the
Poison-An Emigrant's Experience.

Cutting Out Pound of Flesh to Remove the
Poison--An Emigrant's Experience.
Louisville Courier journal.
A few days ago Lucien Alexander received
from friend in Arkansas specimen of that
venomOus animal the centipede. MIR. Alexander
placed the articulate in Jar of alcohol and has
it on exhibition at his store. Almost every one
who has been attracted by it has related remark
able incidents about it's 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 wonders of the world
One of the stories related of this species is that
of an ex-sodiler. He says that when among the
Ozark mountains, a companion felt one of them
crawling up his leg. He knew it's sting was sud
den and fatal. but the varmint was on him.
What must he do to be saved was the question.
He knew it would 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
perspration boiled from every pore of his body.
Every moment was one of agony, and he began
to realize that his life hung slender thread.
Finally an idea suggested itself. He dealt the
centpede terrific blow, killing it, but of course
at the first touch its fangs were inserted in his
flesh. Almost instantly he disrobed, and with
common 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 sleeping on the ground, was awakened
by 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 fiber
OF the reptile. Knowing its peculiarities
and the effect of its sting, he, too
was in fever Of excitement Afraid
to move muscle, he dared not attempt to shake
it off. After seconds pause he reached under
his head, got his pistol, and. taking deliberate
aim, fired. 1t was a life-saving shot for the
man; the centipede divided and dropped in 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 of their mules,
picketed only 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 there
after An examination was made aad it was
discovered that the bullet which had severed the
centpede had entered the mules foot, just above
the hoof, and inoculated it with poison from the
reptile.
The person who related the above incident
bears splendid reputation for truth and veraci-
ty, and he emphasized that it was true story,
but his audience. nevertheless, gave him a look
of suspicion 1T may be true" said one, "but
I'll be blamed if believe it."