The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-02-26
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the swamp, and now lay stretched
upon the bit of land over which we
must pass in order to reach the
shore. Yes, even as I paused, be-
wildered, and with my heart in my
throat, l saw that four more of these
hideous creatures were swimming
rapidly toward the spot. All, Dandy,
Dandy! You tried so hard in your
doggish way to warn me that danger
was near, but your cries only made
matters worse.
Alligators in front, alligators be-
hind. Whittier were we to fly? /
stumbled against the PROSTATE tree
top-happy thought! In less time
than it takes to write the words both
Dandy and I had scrambled up the
struggling branches like two nimble
cats. Here was safety, such 2s it
was, for we were some eight feet
above the surface of the swamp.
Partly from pity and partly to
check his ear-piercing cries, I snug,
gied Dandy in my arms; but when at
last l ventured to look down, the
sight made ne grow sick. I dared
not try to count the alligators, but
there seemed to be twenty or more
gray and scaly forms creeping and
shutting about On that narrow strip
of half-dried mud, Kissing, blowing
and shifting the air angrily for the
scent of the canine prey which they
could not reach.
The sun was really sinking, as the
increasing gloom portended. I col
lected my scattered wits, and tried
to plan the best way to pass the
inevitable night.
Fortunately I had brought with
me a jacket, which I had slipped on
when the chill of the swamp had
struck me. This would in measure
protect me from the night cold; then,
too, Dandy would help to keep mo
warm. So I propped myself IS COM
fortably as possible in the crotch
where the tree trunk had s2anned
off. fastened myself to strong UP.
right branch by passing the strap
round it and then about my waist.
This would at least keep me from
falling should I chance to faint or
lose myself in sleep.
The long vigil began. Dusk deep
ened into darkness, and darkness
turned into blackness, for no star
light could penetrate that overhead
growth.
The silent swamp turned into
world Of noise. The peeping, croak-
ing and booming Of countless frogs,
the strange cries Of night animals and
birds, the tapping fall Of acorns and
dying leaves, the constant dripping
from thousand trees which reeked
with the dank steam of nightfall, and
the restless movements of those un-
calmly monsters beneath us were all
sounds never to be forgotten.
Naturally of a nervous tempera-
ment, felt myself grow old in years,
as, bound to my place of refuge, the
moments crept by like hours. If I
could hold out until daybreak the
alligators would probably retire, and
I might then be able to make a wild
rush for the shore.
How many of those long, weary
hours passed I had no way Of judg-
ing, but at last, worn out with ia
tigue, 1 felt deadly chill creeping
over me. Suddenly the little dog
moved in my arms, and licked my
hand softly. He seemed uneasy, and
stretched up his head, as if begging
to look beyond me. 1 humored his
wish. For moment he stood mo-
tionless, with his paws upon my
shoulder. Then, to my amazement,
he whined-not whine of distress,
but one of pleasure. Yes, he was even
then wagging slowly his stump Of a
tail, while his whole body quivered
with excitement.
Loosening the safety-strap with
my benumbed fingers, twisted about
III the tree seat, and saw-a light!
AS I live, a light. dim though it was,
glimmed through the mist Fear
bore heavily upon my heart. Per-
haps it was only an uncanny phos-
phorescence. Yet it moved almost
too steadily. The real ignis fatuus
dances from place to place.
Fascinated, 1 watched the glow,
which grew brighter. I tried to cry
out. To my dismay I found myself
speechless! The chill and nervous
shock had in way stifened my
throat and tongue. I strained and
fought to overcome the temporary
paralysis which was like a dreadful
nightmare, for shout I must. That
light meant rescue if l could only
make myself heard.
Some gator men" were out hunt
ing. and l knew that the light was
from their jack-lantern, which was
fastened at the bow Of the boat The
Jack" serves to attract the crea.
lures, or at least to fascinate them
SO that they remain motionless until
the hunters come within shooting dis:
tanCe.
The boat came near, tnen turned
to go off in another direction. Now
or not at all must I cry out, or it
would pass out OF sight and hearing.
Beating at my throat with my
hands, l finally threw off that dread.
| full cramp, and Shrek for heln
! that could have been heard mile
il seemed to me-came mercifully to
my lips; and as it echoed through
the swamp, the boat stopped. heard