Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-03-07
BIG WHARF RATS.
A Night Adventure With Rodents
as Large as Cats.

"Did you ever see an army of rats2"
This q the question that "French
Louis" fred at an Erening San reporter
several weeks ago. For the benefit OF
those that have never heard Of French
Louis, it might be said that he is the
night watchman at the Hoboken ferry,
on the Jersey side of the river. He is a
man of adventure and manc When
he speaks it is generally with authority
and n knowledge of the world. Hence
it WINS that the reporters curiosity was
naturally excited.
eff you will come with me-" con-
tinued French Louis, "Ill show you
something that you won't forget right
away"
The reporter hesitated, for it was then
heal midnight, and a heavy fog hung
upon the river, sending chills to the
very marrow. 1t was one of those
sepulchral kinds of nights when grave
yards yawn and everything appears
weird and ghoulish.
"Come," the Waterman reiterated.
He took the reporter by the arm and
led him TO the basin adjoining the ferry
slip, where a small flat screw was
moored. He took from his pocket a
small dark lantern and flashed it across
the basin. He then jumped into the
boat and bade the reporter to follow
him. The mornings were loosened and
the next moment the numbering old
tub was pushing out into the stream.
The reporter noticed that the oars were
mufiled, but he was much more sur
prised, however, to observe the watch
man draw from his hip pocket n five
barrellcd revolver, which he placed on
the seat beside him. Conversation was
suddenly suspended.
The reporter made several attempts to
ascertain the objective point of the ex-
c%ursion, but was each time squelched by
the admonition. "Mum's the word"
A ripple at the bow, the splash of the
oars, the dismal blnst of the ferryboat's
whistle and the changing of the fog bells
were the only sounds that disturbed the
nights serenity. The boat swung round
into one Of the ferry slips and was
quickly rowed to the bridge. As we APP
preached the bridge Louis again drew
his lantern out of his pocket and flashed
it once or twice under the ferry house.
He appeared satisfied and again re-
sumed rowing. He proceeded under
the bridge. The atmosphere was chilly,
close and sitting. 1t was as dark as
Egypt. Cobwebs hung from the mfters
and the soft, silken iibres were caught
in the face and hair Ms the boat pushed
on. Barnacles growing on the piers and
spiles glistened in the darkness.
After proceeding several hundred feet
underneath the ferry house Louis again
drew out his lantern. He turned the
light full on and flashed it up on the
shore. Rats-monstrous rats Of the
size of cats-were swarming by the hun
dreds ON the soft, marsliy ground. Their
little pink eyes appeared like stars in tho
darkness and danced and scintillated as
they frolicked about.
Their antics were amusing and kitten
ish in the extreme. The rats were feed
ing on the refuse from the larder Of the
Bremen steamships. They would run
down to the waters edge, and Selling
some articles Of food would carry it back
to the higher ground.
"We1l have some shooting, remarked
Louis as he picked up his revolver and
blnzed away at the innocent creatures.
His craftsmanship had no effect, and
the rats continued TO revel in their mid
night luncheon. Some Of them, more
bold than others plunged into the water
and swan out for some muscular piece
Of refuse.
Others would sit up ON their launches
and look as sedate as judges as they
stroked their mouth with both paws.
Several were apparently engaged in a
game of tag and raced up and down the
shore in high glee.
"These fellows" said Louis, as he
up his oars and rowed back,
fare always to be found at low water.
They com out of their nests to feed and
hold high carnival. You have seen a
that very few are privileged to
do" The reporter thought SO, too. -NeD
York Sun.