The sea coast echo. [volume] (Bay Saint Louis, Miss.) 1892-current, 1892-11-05

O1AN pAmlL1s
coil Of the powerful tail wound itself
over the bough, and the head of the
reptile moved more freely, although far
from being yet free from the vise-like
grip of the tiger.
Although a deeply interested, was
certainly most impartial, witness of
that monstrous duel; but somehow a
quixotic impulse of compassion for my
late enemy now possessed me and es
sayed to attempt his rescue. Drawing
my keen-edged "made-to-order' ma
chette from its water-soaked sheath, I
sprang forward and with all my
strength slashed at the taut body Of tho
boa. The blade, biting all the better
for its wetness, cleaved it's way well
through the scalv hide, and as recov-
cred, somehow, with a precision that I
never could with deliberation have
achieved, l cut right into the same spot
and reached the vitals, for in another
moment there was general collapse
OF the great reptile; 1.-The tail relaxed its
hold on the bough, and with dull
thump the body fell prone to the earth.
But death was not instantaneous, for
the snake family are tenacious of life,
and for quite awhile after his fall this
specimen continued to futter and writhe
about most alarmingly. This perform
ance did not in the least interest the
tiger, however. So soon as the tension
was relaxed he freed himself, and for an
anxious instant feared that he contem-
plated renewing the interrupted attack
on me. He stood regarding me In an
inquiring sort of way, and, drawing my
revolver, prepared to give him warm
reception. But he neither attempted to
molest me nor to emulate the traditional
example OF Androcles' lion and fawn
gracefully on me. For about a quarter
of minute those seriously inquisitive
eyes were turned on mine; then, with
stately lash of his tail, he turned and
leisurely trotted off into the forest
shades, a sadder if not a much wiser
poacher.
After short hunt found the settle
ment of an Indian family whose ready
assistance secured. Together we re-
turned to the scene of my adventure
and soon had the solitary product of
my days hunting in shape to be taken
to the camp.
My arrival at camp late in the after
noon was the occasion of some rejoicing,
as my companions had begun to enter
tain apprehensions about my safety; but
when the Indian boys came trudging
after with their load of additional
sprovender for our almost exhausted
larder the tone of mild congratulation
waxed into one of wild enthusiasm.
! did notrelate the story of the bag
ging Of the game, however, until the
feast was over, and the pipes and rtftn
bottle were in order. And when I had
concluded the unanimous verdict of the
boys was that failing to procure any
game had adpurchased the animal from
the Indians.
The fact is that no man is a prophet
In his own country, less so is an amateur
explorer an adventurer amongst his
Immediate companions who have no
part in the adventure. But I can as
sure the reader that this is true Incl.
dent of life in the wilds of South Amer.
lea. -.- q. p. PORTER.
Casabianca's Luck.
Tne boy stood on the burning deck,
The air with smoke was blue,
But no one ask ed him-blessed lot
list hot enough for your
A Compliments.
Little Dick-Papa said was brick.
wonder wot that means2
Little Dot--l spose it means you ia
v - ~