Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1891-06-25
ALLIGATOR VS.. BULL.
A Thrilling Battle Witnessed by a
Ships Passengers.

Passengers going up the San Juan
River TO the interior Of Nicaragua see
many strange sights along the shores
lined with alligators, and through water
filled with sharks. but seldom witness a
finer battle-royal than one that took place
between young bull and an alligator.
A bit of prairie land or savannah camo
down through the dense tropical jungle.
the impenetrable tangle of trees and
vines Offering an opportunity for the
herds of wild cattle TO drink that was
not ignored. The habits OF the herd had
evidently been carefully studied by o
willy old alligator, as he lay day after
day in the mud, licking his insect laden
chops and dreaming of dainty meal of
delicate veal. The steamer was tied up
TO the bank when the CATERS oppor-
tunity arrived
A calf had strayed unnoticed from the
herd towards the water. An ugly black
nose appeared above the water, followed
by wicked twinkling eye and long
scaly body. A cautious crawl up the
low bank, and the ugly saurian ran with
astonishing rapidity for its prey. A shout
and an ill-directed shot alarmed the calf
There was big bawl, answered by the
whole herd, the calf running frantically
from and the whole herd toward the
water fiend. Then both sides paused,
alligator sinking closer to the ground,
the cows standing with ears erect their
big brown eyes filled with establishment
and fear. Another instant and the cows
aud calves moved slowly off to one side,
ever keeping their heads to the foe, and
a young bull alone remained facing the
enemy.
The young guardian of the herd slowly
advanced to the attack, his magnificent
eyes shining with the light of battle, his
tail switching nervously and his head
tossing like swordsman practising his
finest thrusts. 1t looked for moment
as though the alligator would retreat.
Then vibration ran through his scales,
the huge mouth opened, his gurgling
threat was answered by defiant below,
and with Incredible swiftness on the
part of both the combatants met.
The cruel rows of teeth closed on the
leg of the bull near the body, stripping
muscle and sinew from the bone, while
the polished horn sank deep into the al
ligator's breast. A quick withdrawal on
the part of both, lightning-like turn
of the head, and the other horn of the
bull impalcd his enemy. A great shud-
der ran over the body of the alligator.
and the blood gushed out as he roared
in his rage and pain. For an instant
both feet rested as they were, and then
the saurian with a last desperate effort
whirled himself on the impaling horn,
striking the bull on the side with ter
rife force, the crash of the blow echoing
along the river. Noribs or muscles could
withstand the assault. The brave young
hero fell upon his side, twisting his
neck out of joint. One final effort 20
move his head, one longing look towards
the panic stricken herd, and the look in
the beautiful brown eyes died cut for
ever. A cry of sympsthy md regret
arose from the spectators, and pistol
balls glanced from the armored back of
the alligator as he fcebly skunk back
into the water, covered with the execra-
tions of oil the witnesses. Cincinnati
Inquirer.