The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-08-29
CnpaCking Al,icatOrs,

The author Of the "Recollections of q
Lion Tanner" relates how, after being
for some years employed as an animal
trainer, he and his wife had, by great
economy, saved enough to buy mod
est menagerie, and received their stock
of crocodiles, serpents and monkeys at
an inn near Lyons, France. One even
ing several alligators came, and were
placed in a store room which opened
from the courtyard.
Maria and /, with several persons to
hold lamps, set to work to unpack
them. You can imagine how agreeable
that unpacking was. The alligator is
wholly lacking in grace and gentleness.
Each OF his jaws is ornamented with
seventyfve teeth, his body is covered
with armor that deties attack, and his
tail is an invincible weapon that can
overthrow, cripple, or destroy an adj
versary Our alligators had had long
voyage.
Never Of an amiable disposition, ALI
gators are in particularly bad humor
after journey, and become the most
ferocious of creatures if they escape.
Ours escaped, What confusion there
was! Every one rushed to the door.
the lights went out, and my wife and
l We're left in the darkness, face to face
with this horrible, invisible danger.
We had climbed on table. At one
blow from the tail of one Of the sauri-
ans the legs gave way. Terrified, we
rushed from one side of the room to
the other, hunting the door. The
frightful grumbling of the angry beasts,
mingled with the sound of their tails
and jaws striking against tn, fnrni-
ture, the flag stones and the walls. At
last | found the door.
We We're free; but that was not the
end of the matter. Not to be injured
BY stroke of the tail of one of the
alligators was one point, end not to be
ruined was another, for these delight
full companions had cost us our little
fortune. ] went back carrying torch.
| threw myself re- olutely into that
melee, ard finally succeeded in getting
the saurlans into safe quarters.
why Dihn't He?
When the WaShtenaw County man
from the head waters of Stony Creek
stalked into Woodward avenue dry
goods store the first sign that struck
him was: If YOU don't see what you
want ask for it," and he went over to
the pretty girl at the glove counter.
"Mornin mum, he said. with prai-
RE smile.
"Good morning" responded the
young lady. What can | do for you
to day."
Got any grindstones ~ he inquired
"Oh, 70" she said with guileless
innocence; "this is dry goods store
Maybe you would like pair of gloves
for YOU wife,"
He blushed violently.
Got any hay rakes?" he asked,
looking over his shoulder toward the
sign.
mo, sir" and the girl smiled.
NO? Ner no axle grease?"
"No, sir"
"Mebbe you could let me have kaig
Of nails ?" he ventured, nervously.
I'm sorry we haven't them"
He went back and read the sign over
carefully
Il thought. mebbe, hadn't got her
quite kerrect, not bein' much Of schol-
lard" he said, returning to the counter.
Guess, p'raps, you amt got no pare
goric, ner quinine, ner bretchen straps,
ner pillow lines, ner milkin' stools, ner
boss shoes, ner brass kittles, ner brad
avis, neither?
The young lady shook her head and
the Stony Creek man started out.
Near the door he met the floor walker.
Say, mister" he said, glancing up
at it curiouslv, why don't you take in
yer derned old sign?'
He offered no further explanation Of
his departure, and the foor-walker
learned the particulars from the good
looking girl at the glove counter
Free Press.