THE ADVENTURES OF SMITH, JONES AND BROWN--JONES, HEARING THAT A SNAKE
IS IN THE BOAT, JUMPS INTO THE CANAL.
In getting up a party to visit Lake Drummond, you will always find
more or less of the party who are afraid of snakes. On this occasion
the party consisted of only three--Smith, Jones and Brown--all
citizens of Suffolk. They prepared themselves with the necessary
outfit and started for the canal. Their boat being ready they embarked
and soon were on the way. Smith being the most expert took the wheel,
Brown placed himself at the bow, so that he could ward off approaching
danger, and Jones, who was the timid one of the party, was put
amidship the boat, with his back to Brown. I knew the parties well;
they are all living, and I will narrate the snake story as I was told
by Brown, who will vouch for its authenticity. They had not passed the
great terror to all who go to the Lake (Paradise Old Fields), where
can be seen everything that is hideous; a place that is dreaded, and
if it could, would be shunned by every one who visits the Lake. Things
of most unquestionable shapes have been seen by persons when passing
it. No one has ever given any account of the history of the Field,
which you are compelled to pass going to Lake Drummond, and which has
deterred many from venturing to it. Owing to the many snake stories
that has been told by persons who said they were born to see spirits,
there can be no doubt that there is a legend connected with that
Field. Some have argued that the Field was at one time filled with
grottos, and that the fairies of Lake Drummond would leave their realm
and by a subterranean passage into it to bask in the beauties which
surrounded it. Profane history informs us that it was at this place
that Pluto and Proserpine left for the infernal regions. That will
make no difference about the snake story that I will relate. A snake
is a wonderful reptile, and it is not necessary for one to be seen
that one should be frightened. The very mention, in some instances, is
sufficient to scare those who are the least timid. So it was in this
instance. Jones, as I have said before, was one of a party that were
going to the Lake. He was afraid of snakes. Smith and Brown knew it
and they determined to have a little sport at his expense. Jones was
highly delighted with the grandeur of the scenery by the side of the
canal, as they rode along, and was expatiating upon the wonders of
nature. Smith was charmed with the romantic effusions of Jones, and
paid no attention to Brown, who was sitting at the bow of the boat,
here looked toward him, and seeing that he was intently searching for
something, asked what was the matter. Brown answered that a snake was
in the boat and that he was trying to find it. Here Jones commenced to
twist and squirm. "Hallo!" said Brown: "here's another!" No sooner had
he said another when Jones sprang into the canal. He made several
lunges and, Peter like, looked as if he was walking on the water.
Smith added more steam to the boat and Jones was overhauled and taken
into the boat, very much frightened. They had not gone very far when
Brown said: "I believe that snake is in the boat yet," and at the same
time threw at Jones a piece of rattan, which is good to scare one
with--it's a veritable snake. He was again taken into the boat, quite
exhausted and cold from his ablutions. Brown prepared some ciderberry
juice for him, with some pepper and other things that they had along
which, after taking, Jones became more quiet. Brown says that when he
thinks about that snake story it fills him so with laughter that he
has to buckle a strap around him to support his physical organization.
Jones has not ventured to the Lake since that time, and Brown is
afraid to tell him that the snake in the boat was only a piece of
rattan. If you want to see snakes come to Suffolk and get Brown to go
with you to the Lake of the Dismal Swamp, and he will amuse you to
your heart's content.
To be continued, introducing several thrilling stories connected with
the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, together with bear hunting and the
fearful consequences attending, and later accounts of the whereabouts
of Uncle Alek's mule.
* * * * *
SUFFOLK MILITARY ACADEMY.
ESTABLISHED 1875.
The following constitute an able and experienced Faculty: JOSEPH KING,
A. M., Principal (with 27 years' experience as a teacher). REV.
ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., (Randolph-Macon) Associate. P. ST. JULIEN
WILSON (Virginia Military Institute). DR. W. W. MURRAY (Dublin
University). DR. A. W. ELEY, DR. E. D. PHILLIPS, Attending Physicians.
The testimonals (see catalogue) from distinguished educators at the
University of Virginia, the Virginia Military Institute and other
institutions--from leading members of the Virginia Conference--from
its patrons in different States, and from the leading citizens of
Suffolk, are a sufficient guarantee of the high character and standing
of the school and the practical ability and fidelity of the teachers.
Boys and Young Men are here prepared for business or for college, and
are surrounded by the best social and religious influences.
The military exercises (which take no time from regular study hours)
are only intended to make boys healthy and strong, and to give them an
erect and graceful bearing.
The Academy is supplied with Chemical and Philosophical Apparatus for
Scientific Illustration; with Charts, Globes and Magic Lantern, to
illustrate Geography, Physiology, Natural History and Astronomy; with
new instruments for field work in Land Surveying and Civil
Engineering; with two telegraph instruments and batteries for practice
in Telegraphy, and other educational appliances for different branches
of study. Handsome nickel-plated rifles and accoutrements furnished by
the State.
All our arrangements are home-like, and conducive to health, comfort
and mental and moral development.
Total expenses for one year, including neat navy blue uniform, from
$175 to $190.
For twenty page catalogue, with view of buildings and grounds, address
JOSEPH KING, A. M., Principal,
Or REV. ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., Associate,
SUFFOLK, VA.
CHARTERED 1872.
SUFFOLK
COLLEGIATE
INSTITUTE!
SUFFOLK,--VA.
=PREPARATORY, PRACTICAL OR FINISHING=
--IN--
=Classics, Mathematics, Sciences and the Fine Arts!=
ADEQUATE FACULTY.
DISCIPLINE--Self-acting under Parental and Christian direction.
_Character_ is primary. _Conduct_ is resultant.
DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS.--Economical, substantial, home-like.
TERMS.--Reasonable. Both sexes admitted.
Sessions begin middle of September and end the following June. For
Catalogues and other information address
=PROF. P. J. KERNODLE, A. M.,=
PRINCIPAL.
CHARTERED 1881.
SUFFOLK
=Female Institute=
FOR
YOUNG LADIES AND LITTLE GIRLS.
=BOARD AND LITERARY TUITION $160 A YEAR=
The Charter authorizes the Faculty to confer the regular Collegiate
Degrees.
The eighteenth annual session opened in September, 1887, and closes
the second Wednesday in June, 1888.
Students received at any time, but are advised to enter at the
beginning of a term.
Suffolk is one of the healthiest and most accessible towns in
Virginia.
The corps of teachers is efficient and experienced. The home training,
moral and attractive. Fine advantages in Music, Art and Languages, at
modern rates.
For catalogue apply to
=MISSES FINNEY,=
Box 146. SUFFOLK, VA.
WEST END
SEMINARY
FOR
YOUNG LADIES AND GIRLS.
SUFFOLK, VA.
The first session of this institution commenced its exercises
September 20th, 1887, with flattering prospects, being attended by
young ladies from Surry, Southampton, Isle of Wight and Nansemond
counties.
The large and commodious brick building, recently erected on Kilby
street, by Dr. Skiles, has been secured for the purpose.
The course of instruction is such as to prepare young ladies for the
various duties of life.
Special attention paid to moral and religious training, as well as
social cultivation, thereby rendering this a home-like school.
Terms very moderate.
For any desired information address
COL. WM. H. DARDEN,
MISS NOVELLA S. DARDEN,
Principals.
Or MISS LIZZIE J. KING, Associate.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Table of Contents does not appear in the original book. It has been
added for readers' convenience.
Some punctuation and typographical errors have been corrected to
reflect the author's intention.