The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-11-15
PUTTING cRocoDlLEs TO DEATH.
Punishment Inflicted by oIohammcdans
Whom These Hrutes Kill a Man.

Punishment Inflicted by 1IoIammcdans
When These Brutes Kill Nan.
Mohammedans believe that crocodiles are
especially protected by Allah, and that it
is wicked to kill one of them except for
just cause; also that their great Protector
has strictly forbidden them to eat Lis
human children, and it is only the wicked
and worthless ones who disobey his com
mand. When n man, therefore, has been
devoured by IL crocodile, Al professional ell
chantcr is sent for to try the canniba;
murderer and carry out the sentence O;
death, rs well rs to warn the other croco.
dilcs.
This is great event, and crowds always
gather to witness the ceremony, which
taxes place near Il swamp infested by croc-
odiles. The cnchanter, usually an old na.
tive, has Il great deal to say-iirst to tie
spectators and afterward to the reptiles.
When he has related to his audience tie
whole story of this particular crocodilc's
crime, he utters a long shrill cry, and then
sings monotonous song, to which he beats
time with his hands. This is all repeated
several times, while the magician bows his
head to the east and west. The people are
almost hrcathless with expectation, and III
last there is 81 movement in the water
Two pieces Of burned wood seem TO rise 20
the surface, and are joined from another
point by others, the cnchnntcr repeatin.
his cry all the time, and the dark objects
moving; forward as long us it lasts When
close 10 the beach they seem to be drawn
up iii military style with their heads, and
here and there n great scaly back, quite
out Of the water. Slowly and solemny
the magician ROW begins II dance along he
line, muttering 10 cacSAnc in turn of his
virtues ant! various good deeds and nssrlr-
hut l,.,l 4
his conduct.
But on approaching the criminal things
are quite changed, and Il thick hide seems
Il fortunate protection against such whole
sale abuse. This particular crocodile is
made out to he more wicked than any
Other OF his tribe that ever existed lie
has been warned and warned in vain
and now just punishment will no longer
be delayed. The creature really seems to
understand this unfavorable opinion OF
him. Tcr hc suuirms about uneasilv and
prepares 10 retire into private life under
the water. Bat the old man has his eve.
on him and utters his shrll cry louder
than ever, which arrests the mishehayi,,:,
crocodile at once
Several natives now appear with food for
these animated logs, and an especial niece
of meat, with II shark hook concealed in it,
for the doomed one. 1t is greedily swal-
lowed, and the enchanter makes a signal
for the Malays to draw in the rope to which
the hook is attached, slowly ut first, while
he addresses n lecture to the other croco-
dies on the folly of leading an evil life.
Another sign and the offender is dragged
out of the water by the ready natives in
spite Of its struggles, while it's throat is
cut by the conjurcr himself. The well be-
haved companions of the criminal now
quietly retire into deep water, apparently
with The unanimous verdict of Served
him right. ''-lIarper's Young People