Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-12-03

/ fortunately had some knowiedge nt tne
proper method of dealing with such
cases as my own, having once seen a
/ Iyot being treated for snake-bite by the
remedies proposed to apply for myself,
only remembered with melancholy in
terest that the unfortunate Hindoo had
Il &, notwithstanding the unremltting
eA rtions made to save his life.
The treatment for snake. bite is liga-
ture of the limb above the wound, free
incisions, sucking, cauterization, bath
ing the wound with ammonia, and tax.
ing ammonia or brandy internally. Re-
membering these directions, rushed
into the bungalow and made a very eff
cient "tourniQuer with walking-stick
aud a wet towel, which passed around
my forearm, effectually stopping the
circulation. ! also summoned my boy
Veerapen 10 my assistance, and as had
no ammonia in the house, ordered him
to open bottle of brandy with all
speed. Whilst Veerapen was getting
the cognac, slashed my wrist freely all
around the injured part with my pocket
knife, particularly probing the pune
lures made by the serpenl's fangs, and
the FLOOD spurted freely from the
wound, sucked it with the yigor aud
desperation of a man who knows that
the delay Of only Il quarter of n minute
in eliminating the virus from his system
may seal his doom.
noticed with horror that my arm WAS
swelling rapidly, aud ] began to expert
ence difficulty in respiration, which |
knew was a most unfavorable symptom.
Some powerful eXcitant was necessary
Immediately 10 c0unteract the effect Of
the poison, yet it seemed as though
Veerapen would never bring the BRAN
Gy, and | called wildly TO him To come
TO me. He ran into the room with a
bottle Of the precious liquor in his hand,
but in his confusion he could not find a
corkscrew, and he was too much dazed
and terrified by my misfortune to think
OF the ready eXpedient of knocking off
the neck Of the bottle. However, sent
it flying, and pouring out half tumbler
of brandy, drank it ut g1lp.
The spirit revived me, and thus nerved
TO renewed action, babe Veerapcn call
the cook TO bring some burning sticks
from the kitchen. With one of these
glowing fire. brands | scared my bleed
ing and quivering flesh, never flinching
under what in ordinary circumstances
would have been excruciating agony,
but rather cherishing the pain which
was possible means of saving my life.
But feared my case was past all help.
for was sensible that the contractions
of my heart were growing very feeble,
and respiration became more and more
difficult.
telt the keenest anguish, and knew
that there remained but one final stage,
that of falling into Il faint before death
supcrvened.
Just as my senses were deserting me.
| was able 10 clutch the bottle of BRAN
dy, and once more poured out large
quantity into the glass. With an effort
| just managed praise it to my lips, and
quaffed the requickening spirits, which
acted on my prostrated nerves like
magic draugEt.
| rallied, and with fierce determina-
tion to live, braced my senses together
for final struggle with the potent poi
son which was now cOursing like liquid
fire through every vein in my body.
The brandy had no intoxicating results.
its ordinary effects being neutralized by
the virus in my body. The giant Alco-
hol had for once to combat with a rival
mightier than himself, and my life de
pended upon the issue of the struggle.
Knowing that | might at any moment
lapse into the fiDal comatose STAGE, |
hastily gave my instructions to Veera-
pen and the cook while my mind re.
mained clear. | directed them to hold
me by my arms, one on either side, to
keep me walking about, and on no ac-
count to suffer me to lie down or 20 10
sleep. | explained to Yeerapen that
my life depended upon being kept
awake, and | ordered him to check the
fatal drowsiness by thrashing me with
my own horse. whip if necessary, and
not to spare it.
Veerapen armed himself with the
whip as ordered, and he and the cook
began marching me up and down the
room. An overwhelming faintness soon
came upon me, from which further
large dose Of brandy failed to rouse me,
and | should have gone to sleep as
walked, had not Veerapen then admin
istered sharp cut across my calves.
Il hN pdIh ctuHS lut lulO dCIlbIll, anu
| turned upon my servant with an
amount Of fury which caused him to re-
treat in hot haste. But remembering
why the blow was given, thanked
him tor it, curbing my passion aud tell
ing him 10 resume his cure of me.
begged bin, Lo matter what my present
anger might be, to continue, by the
severe means had placed in his hands,
to prevent my falling asleep, as would
handsomely reward him if he saved my
life.
cannot recollect AL that passed: but
Veerspen told me that | alternately
commanded and entrcated with tears in
my eyes to be allowed to go to sleep il
only for minute, bat that the only at
tention he paid to my threats or en-
treaties was to lay on all the harder with
The whip.