Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-10-09
RACING FOR LIFE.
a Retriever and an Alligator Swim
Across a River.

con hot, sultry day." said the Col
onel, "and within few miles of Jack
sonville, on small tributary to the St.
Johns River, occurred one of the most
sensational races for life and prey that
have come under my notice.
"a party of gentlemen left Jackson
VILE last July on sporting expedition,
taking with him several valuable, we'll
trained dogs. The owner of splendid
retriever shot at and wounded duck on
the northern bank of the stream, which
was about eighty yards wide The
wounded duck fell into a Jungle on the
opposite side and the dog went after,
out could not find it. The dog had only
left the further bank on his return, when
suddenly the snout of an alligator rose
above the water. The saurian gave
chase, while the gentlemen called the
dog: e..
"The animal seemed to realize his
peril and yelped while the alligator
forged ahead. The cries of the party
were continuous, and the dog swan his
best. The alligator did not dip one mo-
ment, but kept his eyes fastened upon
the form of the dog. Not an inch seemed
to be gained or lost by either. The race
was matchless. The alligator attempted
occasional spurts, making the water
rush by in snowy foam, and the dog,
evidently equal to the emergency, would
lay his ears back and speed along with
astonishing swiftness.
The middle of the stream was reached,
and the distance between pursuer and
pursued remained the same. The sports
men began to fear that the dog would
give out before they could get an effec-
tive shot at the alligator. Under the
circumstances they could not fire for fear
of killing the dog; besides, having only
duck shot instead of ball. their chances
of inflicting any damage upon the reptile
were few.
"The dog swan anxiously, excitedly,
fixing his eyes upon the group of men
and the low shore. Only about thirty
yards more, and if all went we'll the dog
would be safe. The alligator changed
his tactics. He would dip his snout
slightly under the water, and in wrig-
Cling way would make astonishing
spurts, but did not seem to decrease the
distance. After each squirt the alligator
seemed to lose little ground, but very
hbtiO. hS IlOlll Vic Dduh
the size of the monster could be estima-
ted. He was more than three yards in
length. Every atom of energy was ex-
ercised by both. Cries rang out by the
men. The excitement began to intensity
the alligator was gaining. The brute
did not notice the anxious spectators on
the shore. Suddenly report was
heard. 1t was shot at the alligator
from fowling- piece. Needless of the
noise, the contestants in the race kept
on. Only few feet and the dog would
be victiml
"In vain did the retriever try to
lengthen the distance, togno purpose.
The alligator was now gaining inch by
inch. The dog was becoming inspired
possibly with too much fear, for he made
several piteous yelping appeals for help.
Seven yards nearer the bank, seven yards
from the goal of hope and life for the
dog, and still the race was going on with
grim determination. Every hunter had
his fowling- piece ready to discharge at
the alligator as soon as he could do it
safely. The dog touched the sloping,
water covered bank of the stream, wild
cry of delight from the sportsmen and a
yelp of joy from the dog, he soon was
bounding on the shore. The determina-
tion of the alligator was so great that he
there only for moment Several
charges of shot were poured into him in
a volley. He turned quickly and, with
a spring, lashed the deeper water and
dived into the depths of the stream"