West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1889-04-18
in THE THROAT OF A BOA.
nY coL. EDwARp D. rAYLon.


~ can never look upon one of those
writing, Shiny things without shud-
aer, said my friend, Colonel Paul
baiiantyne, as we three this pretty
houth American wife was of the partyl
stood IN front OF the boa constructor s
cage In the serpent-house at the Phila.
delpbia Geological Garden.
ana yet, dear" interposcd Mrs.
Ballantyne--and she laid her hand
iovlngly upon her husbands arm, and
looked up into his handsome face with a
wealth of love glowing in her lustrous
brown eyes-''if it had not been for the
serpent you would probably never have
met me. But perhaps you regret that l'
she al 1ed, with pretty pout.
An, that was the recompense 20 said
the Colonel, and he eyed her fondIy.
but for that, think could never have
summoned up fortitude enough to again
lock upon one Of the monsters. AS it is
cannot .repress the shudder, and in
lancy ieel myself again being sucked
down to death"
lyon had an adventure, Colonelr, 1
ventured.
"Adventure" he echoed. 'Well. I
should say so. The most horrible man
ever experienced. But you dine with us
to-day, and then I'll tell you the story. {"
de did, and gave me permission to
PRINT 1t, which l have done witho 1t
material alteration, and with the sub
ftitution of fictitious names for the real
actors, who will doubtless read and re
cognize this history.
Three years ago my friend was sent to
Venezuela, as the agent OF firm of ma.
hogany importers, who had purchased
some valuable forestry concessions i'm
that country.
The lumber tract lay along the banks
OF one of the 5ayous of the Orinoco Riy-
er, about one hundred and fifty miles
above the Isle of Barima.
The Colonel examined the tract. Sc
iected site for a logging camp. and
proceeding to La Guayra, purchased
supplies, and engaged native Yenezue-
Ian, named Guzman Mendo a, to super
intend the logging.
Indian laborers TO fell the trees could
be engaged in any quantity in the vicin-
ity OF the mahogany forest.
Mendoza was a slightly built. surlv-
faced fellow, with an ungovernable tenn
per, to which he gave way at the slight.
est provocation. He was accompanied
by an Indian servant, named Jose. who
was much attached to his master.
Colonel Ballantyne had several wordv
quarrels with his forman, on the wav mn
the river, and he began to regret HAVING
engaged so uncompanionaDle an assist.
ant, but Mendoza thoroughly understood
his work, and soon convinced his en-.
ployer that he was worth more than the
liberal salary that was paid him.
The camp was established, a corps of
native axe-men engaged, and prepara-
hons were made To get together the
material for big mahogany raft. which
would be iioated down to the mouth Of
the bayou, where the precious wood
would be loaded in vessels sent out bv
the firm which empl Dyed the Cosonel
Accompanied by Jose, who was
familiar with woodcraft the Colonel
made daily excursions into the forest
IN al directions, to locate aud mark the
trees
The tract proved TO he q rich one
Mahogany trees were there by the thou
sand, and the forest was intersecteI bv
creeks In All directions, along which
timber might readily be foated to the
bayou, and thence to the river
They bad been in camp about week
anu tne work was progressing salts
factorily, when Mendoza. who had here.
toforc been kept to busy too quarrel. cot
into dispute with his employer azd
had It not been for the interference of
some Of the indian workmen, ono wonld
have shot the other, for both men drew
their pistols.
After they had both had time to cool
down, the Colonel who Is naturally of
the most forgiving s90sitiou. aDo'o.
gized to his Antagonist, and requested
that The matter be forgotten.
lie held out his hand in token ~
amity, out MENDOZA. witn a shrug OF his
shoulders, and coutonion of h}s dark
face, turned on h's heel ard walked
away
That night he aud Jose held a loso
conyersatioa, which was carried on In a
low tone Of voice. but although fbog
looked IRE uently toward The Coionc
and exchanged siQni can. shrups. hedis
not dream that they we've pIo9in0
troaohcry.
The ext morn ng he COLONEL a. a al.
started. a. usua' f0r q short expcaitloa
in the forest