Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-05-27
THE GAZETTE.
Attacked First by a Great Hound.


For over year the people living
within radius of 20 miles of the City
Of Mexico, have been in state of semi
panic over the strange attacks which
have been made upon travellers who
are compelled to be out after night
fall.
There appeared to be some demon who
took delight in mangling belated peo-
pie and robbing them. No deaths have
ever occurred, but in each instance the
party attacked has been suddenly
grasped by the throat by some appa-
rently powerful animal, which is strong
iawed that it shuts off the air at the
first grasp and causes the victim to
faint.
When consciousness returns he would
find himselflying with bleeding throat
and his pockets ritied Of all their con-
tents. The attacks were sudden and
in the dark. One man who had occa-
sio1 to be out after dark told that it ap-
peared to be some long animal which
came leaping upon him and he had
barely time to notice this ere he was
borne to the g.ound and held in the
grasp of the awful jaws, and then he
knew nothing more until he recovered
consciousness.
Manuel Pinez is wealthy ranch
owner who lives in Mexico and who
visits his ranch twice a month to look
after affairs there, and it is always his
habit to make bis trips in such Il way
that he gets to the city before dark.
About two weeks ago he had been de
tanned so long that he would moi get
back home until late at night, and,
while he feared the assault of the mys-
terious robber, he determined to get
home if possible.
Being man of an inventive turn of
mind he made himself an armor to pro-
tect his throat from the attack of what
ever it was that caught the people.
Taking the heavy leather stirrup piece
ION his saddle he cut collar and fit
ted it to his neck in such manner that
it fully covered his whole throat. Then,
With pistol in each hand, he rode
through the dark roads toward the
city. He was within sight of the lights
of the city and began to feel that he
had safely passed all danger, when he
saw an animal leaping toward him.
He had just time to notice the ami
NAL when it leaped at his throat and
bore him from his horse to the ground.
His armor served him well, however,
and the animal could not get grip on
his. throa,. Pinez had his revolver
ready and pressing it against the side of
his assailant he fired shot which rolled
it over, and then, just as he was ris-
ing was again attacked, but this
time by man who stuck him with
club. The blow was not severe enough
to do damage, and in the hand to hand
conflict which followed Pinez got the
best of his adversary and stunned him.
He bound the man and took him to
the city.
An investigation showed that the an
imalwasIa Great Dane ilomd which had
been trained to tae down the people
without killing them. His master had
se1t him a. ,eT tie victims aud when they
were rendered unconscious he would
ROB them with impunity and then re-
turn to his home without fear of detec-
ton.
The prisoner was questioned by the
chief of police, but reused to give any
answer. He appears 20 mourn the loss
of his dog greatly, and did not seem to
care wat became OF himself now that
the animal YVES gone Al investigation
revealed the iact that the man lived in
the outskirts OF the city and was ap-
parently tama.a vendei.
HIS dog was always at home and
kept the neighbors Ion being too in
quisitive. In the cabin wa, found the
i..uits of several recent lobberies and
evidences sufficient TO show that the
prisoner made it a regular nightly oc-
cupation. An effort was made to get
him to tell something about himself
aud dog, but he stubaornly reused