The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1897-05-28
Rather Fishy.

We Aau hoped that the hrSt ilsh story
would at least be mild one. but
the one we have ut hand has rudely
severed the tender ties of our fondest
anticipation along this line.
The story comes from Mud Lake.
away off in the 81. Francis bottom. IN
the southeastern portion of the county.
AS told us, the dweIlers on the borders
of the lake were each evening startled
by an unearlhly coarse whistling moi, &C
mingled with loud slappiug of the
water aud great connotion, in the
midst of which glimpse now and then
revealed the outlines of an aquatic
monster. the like of which WAS never
seen in those parts. THIS appearance
OF the strange dweller of the water was
regularly repeated about the same time
in the afternoon, and its contortions
always attracted a full house from the
dwellers Oh the banks OF the big lake.
y council OF the hardy natives WAS
held and various means were suggested
leading To The capture of what they
termed the sea serpent. After many
plans and specifications had been land
before. the chairman of the meetings. it
WAS agreed. upon the urgent recon-
mendation of an old salt who had seen
service among whaiers way down in
the Indian ocean, To try the harpoon
process.
Two OF these Instruments were
turned out OF a plantation blacksmith
shop, which equipped the attacking
party for II hand To hand encounter.
At the appearance of the monster two
boats were speedily manned and bore
down upon the aquatic flounderer
while Ito was seemingly enjoying his
afternoon bath
With great caution the two boats
neared the object Of their murderous
SO engrossed in his mode
and mond of hilari,y lchurning the
water and splashing it high in the air.
the monster WAS unconscious of az
proaehihg danger till the deadly poor
sunk deep into vital parts of his body.
simultaneously with the strokes which
fastened the Instruments into the flesh
of the strange visitor. IA desperate lung
was made for liberty and deeper water.
which sped the beats over the surface
Ut the CLASSY water at Il terrific rate.
The crews were determined and
plucky aud played out line and took up
slack, as their swift and 2erelous cruise
demanded.
Fortunately no part of the lake Is
very deep, which was decidedly in
favor Of the attacking party. for had
deep water prevailed the boats would
have had their choice of "A bath with
the big fish or severance with line
connection with him.
Some two hours of exciting experience
Was devoted to the worrying down and
capture Of the new inhabitant of those
waters and the men engaged in tie
battle were evidently glad To hail the
cessation of hostilities, for they were
thoroughly wet and much exhausted.
When hau!ed out on the bank by
teams, the monster measured sixteen
feet IN length and eight feet around
the thickest portion of the body, and
itsaweight WAS that of the largest size
OK.
Large tiinty diamond shaped scales
covered the body; Tile head was long
aud flat and Composed entirely of il
thick, scaly skin. The mouth and
teeth of the rambler we're frightful To
behold. Three Tiers of large, Sharp.
vicious teeth were firmly set in the
bony. massive jaws, all Of which had
an inward curve, indicating that There
was no escape for any prey that once
entered into that terrible oriiice
The big fish is new species to that
locality and its appearance is attribut-
able To the flood which has just passed
away. but no one knows from whence
it came. Bits of the anatomy were
preserved by the astonished natives
and the fleshy portion afforded food
for the swine for several days. His
fish majesty had evidently fingered
through il portion of The iron age as
his exterior WAS decorated with TWO
gigs and hatclet.
Q