The Press., 1921-06-23
A Souvenir of the
 Amazon
By LATIMER J. WILSON


 little island In the bay. Dark trans ports and cOast-plying ships were an- chOred in the harbOr when 8 long spic- and-span fabricated steel vessel, fresh ly arrived from South American
 ports, slid past and dOcked at her pier.
 A short, bOw-legged sailor, carrying an OblOng bOx, came ashore. His hair was long, his eyes looked criss-crOss over the bridge of his sharp nose and his chin wore a jungle underbrush of beard. AS straight as his seaworthy legs would convey him he went to one of those small lodging houses near the waterfront, deposited his box in a cor ner Of the room that was assigned to him by the red-faced landlady, went l to a barber shop in the neighbOrhOOd and then took a subway train to Harlem.
 Later he advanced up the long flights that led to the top floor of tenement in a crOsstOwn street. It was certainly an unconventional hour for calling upon a lady, but Dave knew his business.
 4t uEs A4iL-Ndu \ CWLAS AA h% shouted in response to the inquiry that followed his knocking upon the door. Instantly the door flung open and two warm arms were around his neck.
 Il was expectin' you, Dave. I knew it must be about time for your boat to dock" Then presently, after other fond greetings, she asked If he want ed something to eat. A table was spread and the two sat down to breakfast.
 The girl was not unattractive in appearance. Her hair was long and dark, and her eyes were blue enough to proclaim her descent from the kings of the Emerald Isle. What dye think, Ldz," broke forth her fiance with the energy that comes ! with a sudden idea. Have you still got the bug about acting on the stage? i've brought what you asked for when was here last trip. and it's & cor ker," beamed the sailor with antici- pated pleasure.
 For moment tltP girl seemed pug zled, then she grinned with pleased surprise.
 You don't mean to say you've brought me one of them big snakes from monkey land? I'd most changed my mind since We talked about the snakecharming business. That girl i up at Huber's didn't make near the salary she pretended, found out Bat, anyway, the stage will suit bet ] ter than -waEkin' forever in a laun- dry. Where's your pet-sot i'm in your pOcket?" she added with a broad l grin.
 'I left i'm over in my room, but I'll fetch i'm along tonight. Now I'm thinkin' that we'll make & gsOd thing out of this here snake. It's one of them piethOngs. or anacondas. and he's young enough tO manage"
 "rm still thinkin' of maxim my day boo In theatricals on the night that amateurs goes on, they lets anybody what's got stunt to take a chance at gettin' the hook" said the girl. "I ain't got time to talk any more now about 1t, but you bring your friend over here tonight and I'll rehearse with i'm"
 In a few minutes the two were walking with the rush hour crowd toward the subway. The morning sun was beginning to cast warm rays upon the pavement and the girl knew ] that she would be late for work. ! "TlI tell you" suggested her part i nPr. tonight you call in the crowd. | Get 'em all here and we'll have a | DY1f l f1imSPyS and we'll see how the act | takes. Cool air makes that snake dopy. You can do anything with i'm | when he's cold. Wrap i'm around ] your neck, put your head in his mouth, 1 just do anything" said Dave with conviction. "Well make enough money to set us up in style. YOuIl give up your jOh and I'll quit mine l and we'll both gs on the stage" That evening Dave was back in Harlem before the appointed hour. He opened the box and permitted the girl to look at the gift. the living sou venir of the swanpy jungle. Not ! long ago he had basked hanging like the moss from the low limbs above 1 the muddy stream of the hot cOun- 1 try.
 "I had a time gettin' i'm" com mented Dave. One of the natives brought i'm down the river and I paid few hits and some tobacco to change his owners"
 What do you feed it?" asked Lizzie.
 Why. I ain't thought of that" said Dave. "Piethongs is as economical as goldfish ain't given Tim bite since got i'm"
 Dave" said Lizzie calmly, II ain't "Oin' to act with any hungry snake. If he's hungry. like as not he'll try to eat me"
 "No. he won't. tell you. we'll just keep i'm cool. That reptile don't want anything to eat while he's cold"
 The girl left the room to get ready for the rehearsal. while the sailor wei eOmed the guests that were beginning to arrive.
 When the time arrived, the girl stepped out from the next room. dressed prPttily in a carnival costume of detQ red. Low neck and red stock AhBS "GES aA1EADuIcS LuC ON- casiOn. Her manager came forward and held up his hand.
 Ladies and gents" he said, 'let me introduce Lady Liza and her trained snake straight from the jungle. His name is Ana, South American for Ana cOnda. He eats 'em alive, but he's under the spell of the charmer. She'll show what she can do with i'm" And at the conclusion he lifted the lid of the long box and handed out the rep tile.
 The effect upon the audience was electrical. The python's beady eyes sparkied in the yellow light of the room, the air was hot and stuffy.
 The girl instfnctively drew back at