The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-03
Euenit,g Story
A Souvenir of the Amazon.
BY LATIMER J. WILSON.

D LA 4MEII Js w lLOO-s
The dawn drew aside her gray cur
tain and a necklace of pearly clouds
hung across thesky dazzling the eyes
Of Miss Liberty standing on her little
island in the bay. Dark transports
and coast-plying ships were anchored
in the harbor when a long spic and
span fabricated steel vessel, freshly ar
rived from South American ports, slid
past and locked 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
to a barber shop in the neighborhood
and then took subway train to Har-
lem.
Later he advanced up the long
flights that led to the top floor of
tenement in crosstown street. 1t was
certainly an unconventional hour for
calling upon a lady. but Dave knew
his business.
Its me, Liz-can I come in?' he
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.
II was expectin' you. Dave. ! knew
it must be about time for your boat to
dock" Then presently, after other
fond greetings, she asked if he wanted
som ething to eat. A table was spread
and the two sat down to breakfast.
The girl was not unattractiye in APP
pearance. Her hair was long and dark,
and her eyes were blue enough to pro-
claim her descent from the kings OF
the Emerald Isle.
irWhat dye think, Liz" broke forth
her fiance with the energy that comes
from a sudden idea. Have you still
got the bug about acting on the stage?
I've brought what YOU asked for when
I was here last trip, and it's a corker,
beamed the sailor with anticipated
pleasure.
For a moment the girl seemed puz-
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
nake-charming business That girl
up at Huber's didn't make near the
salary she pretended. I found out.
But, anyway, the stage will suit me
better than workin' forever IN laun-
dry. Where's your pet-got i'm in
your pocket? ?" she added with broad
grin.
II left i'm over in my room, but
I'll fetch i'm along tonight. Now I'm
thinkin' that we'll make good thing
out of this here snake. It's one OF
them piethongs. or anacondas. and
he's young enough to manage"
I'm still thinkin' of maxim my
dayboo in theatricals on the night
that amateurs goes on. they lets any
body what's got a stunt to take n
chance at gettin' the hook" said the
girl. II amt got time to talk any
more now about it. but you bring your
friend over here tonight and Ill re-
hearse with i'm"
In a few minutes the two were
walking with the rush hour crowd to-
ward 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.
I'll tell you" suggested her part
ner, tonight you call in the crowd.
Get 'em all here and we'll have a reg
ular dress rehearsal. Put on your
and We'll see how the act
takes. Cool air makes that snake
dopy. You can do anything with him
when he's cold. Wrap i'm around
your neck, put your head in his
mouth, just do anything" said Dave
with conviction. Wen make enough
money 10 set us up in style. You'll
give up your job and I'll quit mine
That evening Dave was back in Har-
lem before the appointed hour. He
opened the box and permitted the girl
to look at the gift, the living souvenir
Of the swampy jungle Not long ago
he had basked hanging like the moss
from the low limbs above the muddy
stream of the hot country.
II had time gettin' .'im,'' COM
mented Dave. zone of the natives
brought i'm down the river and paid
<Nxr- = 44I
his owners"
what do you feed 20 asked Lizzie.
'Why, I amt thought of that" said
Dave. "Piethongs is as economical as
goldfish. l amt given i'm a bite since
I got i'm
Dave said Lizzie calmly. at amt
soin' to act with any hungry snake. !
II he's hungry, like as not he'll try
10 eat me-
mo he won't. 1 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 well |
coined the guests that were beginning |
TO arrive.
When the time arrived. the girl |
stepped out from the next room |
dressed prettily in a carnival costume |
Of deep red. Low neck and red stock |
ngs were attributes befitting the oc-
casion. Her manager came forward |
and held up his hand.
Ladies and gents" he said, '1et 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 |
1t the conclusion he lifted the lid Of |
the long box and handed out the |
reptile.
The effect upon the audience was !,
electrical The python's beady eyes |
sparkled in the yellow light of the |
room, the air as hot and stuffy.
The girl instinctively drew back at |
he proffered souvenir of the jungle, it |
was such a heavy, tangled mass to !
De handled. But it's apparent apathy |
her. and in few moments
she and her partner had untangled |
he mass and she was holding its long
body at full length across her chest
FRET cha wound n in fnSfnorS 9rrIInd /