Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1901-04-04
A NIGHT IN THb SW amp
lCoNTINUED FROM 1sT PAGE1

Tom had seen, with horror, giant
form bearing down upon the boat, gilt.
tering jaws Of irightful length, and then
there was terrific thrashing in the water,
and long, dark form floated beside the
boat.
He's Dead cried Baker. u saw his
eye cleaning and hit it fair. It's the
only place to kill EN-. We'd have been
meal for him if I'd missed him.
Tom broke out with cold sweat. If
he had not been a very brave hoy he
would have lost heart. He had not
counte d on such perils as these.
On swept the boat.
AS they sped under overhanging trees,
Tom thought with SILVER Of the
chances they were taking.
Surprising panther should drop
down from one of these branches-he
set his teeth and strove to calm his
nerves.
But they encountered no further mis-.
hap for time, aud soon, to Tom re-
lief, emerged from the river into the
wider lake.
Baker now enjoined silence, and
noiseessly and slowly padded the boat
to deep growth of weeds.
Here they remained, the hunter add
ing new fuel to the torch.
1t was necessary to preserve the most
profound silence. Suddenly, after they
had been in their position nearly two
hours, a lustling was heard in the reeds
and a horned head emerged into view
in the radiant circle Of torch light.
Either could have shot the deer at
that moment, but Baker by gesture
restrained Tom. Then the head was
withdrawn and a stampede followed in
the jungle.
Never mind said the hunter. They
will come back again.
An hour passed and they did come
back this time with more confidence,
and three of them stood out IN bold
prominence in the torch glare.
Now! said Baker.
Their guns spoke together and Baker
fred another shot quick enough to bring
down the third deer.
Then the hunter dropped his gun
with a cry of triumph.
Hurry he cried. Three Of them
tonight. Not bad nights work. Come
let's haul them in, for it's all we'll get
tonight
Excited beyond measure, Tom seized
one of the paddles. The three deer lay
in the water, and Baker leaned over the
bow trying to reach them.
Push off. my boy he cried.
Tom did push off. It was most ia.
tai move.
They had been alongside of long,
dark object which Tom, and Baker as
well, had fancied was log. Tom placed
his paddle against it and was rewarded
with an astounding surprise.
The object, no log after all, moved
and an enormous head rose out of the
water.
AN alligator shrikod Tom.
Baker sprang for his gun, but it was
too late. The ponderous tail came
around with the force of ton and the
boat was smashed and both Tom and
Baker in twinkle were in the water.
Fortunately the water was only up to
Toms knees, and he was quickly upon
his feet.
The boat was smashed and sinking,
but the torch in the bow burned a few
moments, long enough for Tom to see
sight which froze his blood and nigh
drove him mad with horror.
Baker had regained his feet only to
be snapped into the monsters jaws.
There was an awful crushing sound,
smothered, sitting cry, and long pom
derous body shot across the lake and
into deep water.
Tom fairly shrieked out in horror and
agony of spirit.
'Oh, my God! the alligator has got
him. Oh, Baker, Baker, you are lost'
Then an awful faintness came over
him. He was with the utmost difficulty
enabled to keep up. The torch mad
gone out, and he was in total darkness.
In such a SYLVAN gloom, how should
he know the proper direction to take?
Striking out wildly, he plunged about
in the weedy lake, seeking to gain the
shore.
Second thought would have taught
him the fallacy of such an attempt. In
the swamp shore was not to be found.
The lake covered several acres, and in
no place WAS the water much over two
feet in depth.
After foundering about for some time