Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-30
WORLD FAMOUS STORIES
THE MASSACRE OF MONKEYS.
BY JOHANN n. WYSS.

| Gradually. however, as they rambled
over the place, all in turn became be-
smeared with our birdlime on heau:
paws or back or breast. The wretcheo
predicament of the apes increased every
instant
Some sat down, and with the most
luGicrous gestures. tried to clean tnein-
selves. Others were hopelessiy en.an-
cled in stakes and cordage. which they
trailed after them. looking the picture
of bewildered despair
Others, again. endeavored to help one
another, and stuck fast together; the
more they pulled. and tugged. ana
kicked the worse became their plight.
Many had the gourds and coconut
shells numbering and Gathering about
with them. their paws having been
caught when they sought to obtain the
rice or fruit We had put for bait.
Most ridiculous of all was the condi-
ton of one old fellow, who had found
calabash containing palm wine. and.
eagerly drinking 1t. was Immediately
fitted with mask. for the shell stuck
to his forehead and whiskers, of course.
covering his eyes: and he Numbered
about. cutting the widest caperS in his
efforts TO get rid of the encumbrance.
Numbers took to flight: but. as We
had spread birdlime on several of the
trees around. many apes found them
selves fixed to. or hanging from the
branches. where they remained in Woe
full durance, struggling and shriekins
horribly.
The panic being now general, loosed
the three dogs. whose impatience had
been almost uncomfortable. and who
now rushed to the attack of the UNI
fortunate monkeys. as though burning
MI IN
desperate criminals.
The place soon had the appearance
of CHASTITY battlefield: for We were
obliged to do our part with the clubs
and sticks. till the din of bowling.
Yelling. barking. in every conceivable
tone of rage and pain. gave place to an
awful silence. and We looked with a
shudder on the shocking spectacle
around us.
At least 40 apes lay mangled and
dead. and the boys began to be quite
sad and downhearted. till I. fully shar-
ing their feelings. fastened to turn
their thoughts to active employment in
removing and burying the slain. burn
ing the stakes. cordage. bowls. every
thing concerned in the execution of
our deadly stratagem.
After that We betook ourselves to the
task of restoring order to our dis
mantled cottage: and seeking for the
scattered flock of sheep. goats and
poultry. We gradually collected them.
hoping 10 settle them once more peace
fully in their yards and sheds.
While thus engaged. We repeatedly
heard a sound as of something heavy
falling from a tree. On going to look.
We found three splendid birds. caught
on some of fhe lined sticks We had
placed loose in the branches.
Two of these proved to be Of a va
riety of the blue Molucca pigeon: the
third I assumed to be the Nicobar
pigeon, having met with descriptions
of its splendid green. bronze and steely
blue piumage: and I was pleased to
think of demonstrating them. and
establishing them as first tenants OF
q suitable dwelling near our cave.
Indeed. I planned to use aniseed oil
to lure the birds and thus obtain quite
a flock So our massacre OF the mon
KEYS had a constructive result following
such horrible destruction.