The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-10-18
RACING FOR LIFE.
A Retriever and an Alligator Swim
Tandem across a River.


TANDEM across a River.
From the Nesc York World.
"On hot, sultry day" said the colonel,
land within a few miles OF Jacksonville,
on a 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 Jacksonville
last July on a sporting expedition, taking
with them several valuable weIl-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 jungle on the opposite side and the
dog went after, but could not tiud IL. The
dog had only left the further bank on his
return, when suddedly the snout of an
alligator rose above the water The sau-
rian gave chase, while the gentlemen called
the dog.
"The animal seemed to realize his peril
and yelped while the alligator forged ahead.
The cries Of the party were continuous, ami
the dog swan his best. The alligator did
not dip one moment, but kept lis 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 bis ears back and speed along with
astonishing swiftness.
THE middle of the stream was reached,
and the distance between pursuer and pur-
sued remained the same. The sportsmen
began to fear that the dog would give out
before they could get an effective 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 infiicting any dams
age upon the reptile we're few.
The dog swan anxiously, excitedly, fix
ing his eyes upon the group of men and tn Q
low shore Only about thirty yards more,
and If all went well the dog would be safe.
The alligator changed his tactics. He
would dip his snout slightly under the
water. and in wriggling way would make
astonishing spurts, but he did not seem TO
decrease the distance. After each squirt the
alligator seemed to lose a little ground, but
very little. AT fifteen yards from the bank
the size of the monster could he esti mated.
He was more than three yards in length.
Every atom of energy was exercised by
both Cries rang out by the men. The ex-
element began to intensifY-the alligator
was gaining. The brute did not notice the
anxious spectators on the shore. Suddenly
report was heard. 1t was a shot at the
alligator from a fowling-piece. Needless OF
the noise, the contestants in the race kept
on. Only few feet and the dog would be
victiml
SIN vain did the retriever try to lengthen
the distance, to no purpose. The alligator
was now gaining inch by inch. The dog
was becoming inspired possibly with toe
| much fear, for he made -al 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 disoharg,
at the alligator as soon as he coulC
do it safely. The dog touched the sloping,
water-covered bank of che stream, and, will
wild cry of delight from the sportsme
and yelp of joy from the dog, he soon wa
bounding on the shore. The determination
of the alligator was 50 great that he
stranded on the bank, but he rested Their
only for moment. Several charges of sho
were poured into him in volley. H,
turned quickly, and, with a spring, lashe'
the deeper water and dived into the depth
| of the stream sI,