Year: 1865

heard any one give an explanation that |
considered at all satisfactory. simply re-
late what | saw but scarcely expect any
one to credit my statement, well knowing
that | myself would not have received such
marvels as facts on the testimony of the
most reliable friend have in the world


"lf your excellency wills, | shall now
have the honor of showing you how charm
wild serpents," said the necromancer.


1had heard something of this singular
power, and was desirous of seeing it dis
played Accordingly, myself and attend
ants all repaired to an open field, at no
great distance where after some search,
Paunger discovered hole, in which he
said he doubted not there was snake


But before [ call him FORTH" he pro-
cceded, " must be assured that some one
of sufficient courage will stand ready TO cut
him down when | give the signal, other
wise, should he prove to be a cobra capel-
la, my life might be sacrificed"


q will myself undertake that business" :"
said !, drawing my sword.


The man hesitated, evidently fearing to
insult me by doubt and yet not eager to
risk his life on the strength of my nerves,
after the display of timidty 1 had already
made. | thought l read all this III the
mans face, and said very positively


"Never fear good sir, will cut down
whatever you bring up this time, be it
snake or devil"


my life is at your exceIlency's mercy
bowed the man with "a show of humility.
&" Remember the signal When | raise my
hand above my head, may the blow be
swift, sure and deadly y


He then gave his whole attention to the
business before him. Putting an instru-
ment, not unlike small tIageolet to his
lips, he began to play shriIl, monotonous,
disagreeable sort Of tune, keeping his
eyes rivited upon the hole in the ground
and soon after to my utter astonishment,
though | should have been prepared for
anything, | saw the ugly head Of the
hooded snake, the deadly cobra capella, the
most poisonous OF all deadly reptiles, come
slowly FORTH with its spectacled eyes*'
fixed steadily upon the strange musician,
who began to retreat backward slowly,
step at time, the snake following him.


When at length, in this maner, he had
drawn the hideous creature some ten OF fif-
teen feet from its hole, he suddenly squat
ted down and began to play more loudly



and shrily. At this the srrpent raised it.
self on its TAIL as when about to make its
deadly springs, and actually commenced a
dancing notion in time with the music,
which was continued for about minute
when the charmer gave me the signal to
strike. Gradually and stealthily advanced
near enough for the blow, and then struck,
cutting the reptile in two, and sending its
head flying to some distance. | never took
life with better satisfaction.


Whatever deception there might have
been about the juggler's tricks, there was
certainly none about the snake, for | have
its skin still in my possession. gave the
man a couple Of gold mohurs, and he went
away perfectly satisfied wishing my cx-
ccllency any quantity Of good luck l was
perfectly satisfied, too and would not have
missed seeing what did that day for ten
times the amount paid.


"A large ring around each eye gives this fearful
serpent the appearance of looking through a pair
of spectacles and it also has a hood for the mis-
shapen head, not unlike a monks cowl, from
which it takes its name.-LOndoa SiGpeHpy lhga-
zde