The blubber of the whale boiled and stored--A unique
machine--Expedition to Prospect Hill--Whale's tongue is voted no
delicacy--We land on Whale Island--Jack discovers a strange
skeleton--Turtle turning--Towed ashore--The loom completed--Return
of the herring shoals--Basket making--We manufacture a sedan
chair--Ernest's wild ride therein--A boa constrictor appears--He
retreats to the marsh--Suspense--Poor Grizzle's fate--An awful
scene--Death of the monster--An account of snakes--Remedies for
poisoned bites--Ernest writes Grizzle's epitaph--The serpent
stuffed and placed in the museum.
"Now for the finishing up of this dirty job," cried I, merrily, as we
all woke up next morning at daybreak. And after the regular work was
done, we commenced operations by raising a stand or rough scaffold on
which the tubs full of blubber were placed and heavily pressed, so that
the purest and finest oil overflowed into vessels underneath.
The blubber was afterward boiled in a cauldron over a fire kindled at
some distance from our abode, and by skimming and straining through a
coarse cloth, we succeeded in obtaining a large supply of excellent
train-oil, which in casks, and bags made of the intestines, was safely
stowed away in the "cellar," as the children called our roughest
storeroom. This day's work was far from agreeable, and the dreadful
smell oppressed us all, more especially my poor wife, who, nevertheless,
endured it with her accustomed good temper. Although she very urgently
recommended that the new island should be the headquarters for another
colony, where, said she, "any animals we leave would be safe from apes
and other plunderers, and where you would find it so very convenient to
boil whale-blubber, strain train-oil, and the like."
This proposal met with hearty approval, especially from the boys, who
were always charmed with any new plan; and they were eager to act upon
it at once, but when I reminded them of the putrifying carcass which lay
there, they confessed it would be better to allow wind and storms, birds
and insects to do their work in purging the atmosphere, and reducing the
whale to a skeleton before we revisited the island.
The idea of a rowing-machine kept recurring to my brain. I determined to
attempt to make one.
I took an iron bar, which when laid across the middle of the boat
projected about a foot each way. I provided this bar in the middle with
ribbed machinery, and at each end with a sort of nave, in which, as in a
cart wheel, four flat spokes, or paddles, were fixed obliquely. These
were intended to do the rowers' part.
Then the jack was arranged to act upon the machinery in the middle of
the iron cross-bar, in such a way that one of its strong cogwheels bit
firmly into the ribs, so that, when it was wound up, it caused the bar
to revolve rapidly, of course turning with the paddles fixed at either
end, which consequently struck the water so as to propel the boat.
Although this contrivance left much to be desired in the way of
improvement, still when Fritz and I wound up the machinery, and went off
on a trial trip across the bay, we splashed along at such a famous rate,
that the shores rang with the cheers and clapping of the whole family,
delighted to behold what they considered my brilliant success.
Every one wanted to go on board, and take a cruise, but as it was
getting late, I could not consent. A trip next day, however, was
promised to Cape Disappointment and the little settlement of Prospect
Hill.
This proposal satisfied everybody. The evening was spent in preparing
the dresses, arms, and food which would be required, and we retired
early to rest.
Intending to be out all day, the house was left in good order, and we
departed on our expedition, provided, among other things, with spades
and mattocks, for I wished to get young cocoanut trees and shrubs of
different kinds, that, on our way back, we might land on Whale Island,
and begin our plantation there.
We directed our course toward the opposite side of the bay. The sea was
smooth, my rowing machine performed its work easily, and, leaving Safety
Bay and Shark Island behind us, we enjoyed at our ease the panorama of
all the coast scenery.
Landing near Prospect Hill, we moored the boat, and walked through the
woods to our little farm, obtaining some fresh cocoanuts, as well as
young plants, on the way.
Before coming in sight of the cottage at the farm, we heard the cocks
crow, and I experienced a sudden rush of emotion as the sound recalled,
in a degree painfully vivid, the recollection of many a ride and walk at
home, when we would be greeted by just such familiar sounds as we
approached some kind friend's house. Here, but for the unconscious
animals, utter solitude and silence prevailed, and I with my dear
family, whose visit would have been hailed with delight in so many
homes, advanced unnoticed to this lonely cottage. So long had been our
absence that our arrival created a perfect panic. The original animals
had forgotten us, and to their progeny, lambs, kids, and chickens, who
had never seen the face of man, we seemed an army of fierce foes.
The boys found it impossible to milk the goats, until, by the use of the
lasso, they captured them one after the other, bound their legs, then
giving them salt to lick, they soon obtained a supply of excellent milk,
which was poured from the cocoanut shells they used into calabash
flasks, so that we could take with us what was not required at dinner.
The fowls were enticed by handfuls of grain and rice, and my wife caught
as many as she wished for.
We were by this time very ready for dinner, and the cold provisions we
had with us were set forth, the chief dish consisting of the piece of
whale's tongue, which, by the boys' desire, had been cooked with a
special view to this entertainment.
But woeful was the disappointment when the tongue was tasted! One after
another, with dismal face, pronounced it "horrid stuff," begged for some
pickled herring to take away the taste of train-oil, and willingly
bestowed on Fangs the cherished dainty.
Fortunately there was a sufficient supply of other eatables, and the
fresh, delicious cocoanuts and goat's milk put every one in good humor
again.
While the mother packed everything up, Fritz and I got some sugar-cane
shoots which I wished to plant, and then we returned to the shore and
again embarked.
Before returning to Whale Island, I felt a strong wish to round Cape
Disappointment and survey the coast immediately beyond, but the
promontory maintained the character of its name, and we found that a
long sandbank, as well as hidden reefs and rocks, ran out a great way
into the sea.
Fritz espying breakers ahead, we put about at once, and aided by a light
breeze, directed our course toward Whale Island.
On landing, I began at once to plant the saplings we had brought. The
boys assisted me for a while, but wearied somewhat of the occupation,
and one after another went off in search of shells and coral, leaving
their mother and me to finish the work.
Presently Jack came back, shouting loudly:
"Father! Mother! do come and look. There is an enormous skeleton lying
here; the skeleton of some fearful great beast--a mammoth, I should
think."
"Why, Jack!" returned I, laughing, "have you forgot our old
acquaintance, the whale? What else could it be?"
"Oh, no, father, it is not the whale. This thing has not fish bones, but
real, good, honest, huge beast bones. I don't know what can have become
of the whale--floated out to sea, most likely. This mammoth is ever so
much bigger. Come and see!"
As I was about to follow the boy, a voice from another direction
suddenly cried:
"Father! father! a great enormous turtle! Please make haste. It is
waddling back to the sea as hard as it can go, and we can't stop it."
This appeal being more pressing, as well as more important than Jack's,
I snatched up an oar and hastened to their assistance.
Sure enough a large turtle was scrambling quickly toward the water, and
was within a few paces of it, although Ernest was valiantly holding on
by one of its hind legs.
I sprang down the bank, and making use of the oar as a lever, we
succeeded with some difficulty in turning the creature on its back.
It was a huge specimen, fully eight feet long, and being now quite
helpless, we left it sprawling, and went to inspect Jack's mammoth
skeleton, which, of course, proved to be neither more nor less than that
of the whale. I convinced him of the fact by pointing out the marks of
our feet on the ground, and the broken jaws where we had hacked out the
whalebone.
"What can have made you take up that fancy about a mammoth, my boy?"
"Ernest put it into my head, father. He said there seemed to be the
skeleton of an antediluvian monster there, so I ran to look closer, and
I never thought of the whale, when I saw no fish bones. I suppose Ernest
was joking."
"Whales are generally considered as fishes by those little acquainted
with the animal kingdom, but they belong to the class of mammals, which
comprises man, the monkey tribes, the bats, the dogs and cats, all
hoofed animals, whales and their allies, with other animals, the last on
the list being the sloth.
"The name by which they are distinguished is derived from the Latin word
'mamma,' a breast, and is given to them because all the species
belonging to this class are furnished with a set of organs called the
mammary glands, secreting the liquid known as milk, by which the young
are nourished.
"The bones of the whale differ from those of animals, simply in being of
a hollow construction, and filled with air so as to render the carcass
more buoyant. The bones of birds are also hollow, for the same reason,
and in all this we see conspicuously the wisdom and goodness of the
great Creator."
"What a marvelous structure it is, father!" said Fritz. "What a
ponderous mass of bones! Can we not make use of any of them?"
"Nothing strikes me at this moment; we will leave them to bleach here
yet awhile, and perhaps, by sawing them up afterward, make a few chairs,
or a reading desk for the museum. But now it is time to return home.
Bring the boat round to where the turtle awaits his fate; we must settle
how to deal with him."
It was soon decided that he must swim. I fastened the empty water-cask
to a long line, one end of which was made fast to the bow of the boat,
the other carefully passed round the neck and fore paws of the creature,
who was then lifted, so as to let him regain his feet, when he instantly
made for the water, plunged in, the cask floated after him, and
prevented his sinking. We were all on board in a moment; and the worthy
fellow, after vainly attempting to dive, set himself diligently to swim
right forward, towing us comfortably after him. I was ready to cut the
line on the least appearance of danger, and kept him on the course for
Safety Bay by striking the water with a boat-hook, right or left,
according as the turtle was disposed to turn too much one way or the
other.
The boys were delighted with the fun, and compared me to Neptune in his
car, drawn by dolphins, and accompanied by Amphitrite and attendant
Tritons.
We landed safely at the usual place, near Rockburg, and the turtle was
condemned and executed soon afterward; the shell, which was quite eight
feet long, and three broad, was, when cleaned and prepared, to form a
trough for the water supply at the cave, and the meat was carefully
salted, and stored up for many a good and savory meal.
It had been my intention to bring a piece of land under cultivation
before the next rainy season, to be sown with different sorts of grain;
but many unforeseen circumstances had intervened to hinder this, and our
animals, unaccustomed to the yoke, were not available for the plow.
I therefore gave up the idea for the present, and applied myself, with
Ernest's assistance, to completing the loom, which, although the
workmanship was clumsy, I succeeded in making quite fit for use. I had
fortunately in my younger days spent many hours in the workshops of
weavers and other artisans, and therefore I understood more than might
have been expected of their various crafts.
Paste or size was required to smear over the threads; but we could not
spare floor for such a purpose, and I used isinglass, which kept the
warp moist perfectly well, and spared us the necessity of setting up the
loom in a damp uncomfortable place, which has often to be done to
prevent the over-drying of the web.
Of this isinglass I also made thin plates, to be used as window-panes;
they were at least as transparent as horn, and when fixed deep in the
rock, and beyond the reach of rain, did good service in admitting light.
Success encouraging me to persevere, I next began harness-making; the
spoils of the chase having furnished us with plenty of leather, with
which I covered light frames of wood, using a hairy moss or lichen for
stuffing, and ere long the animals were equipped with saddles,
stirrups, bridles, yokes, and collars, to the very great satisfaction of
their youthful riders and drivers.
This occupation was followed by a great deal of work connected with the
annual return of the herring shoals, which now took place; to them
succeeding, as on former occasions, shoals of other fish, and many
seals. More than ever aware of the value of all these, we did not fail
to make good use of our opportunities, and captured large numbers.
The boys were getting anxious for another shooting expedition; but
before undertaking that, I wished to do some basket-making, as sacks
were beginning to fail us, and there was constant demand for baskets in
which to carry and keep our roots and fruits. Our first attempts were
clumsy enough; but, as usual, perseverance was rewarded, and we produced
a good supply of all sorts and sizes. One very large basket I furnished
with openings through which to pass a strong stick, so that it might,
when heavily laden, be carried by two persons.
No sooner did the children see the force of this idea, than they got a
bamboo, and popping little Franz into the basket, carried him about in
triumph.
This amusement suggested a fresh notion to Fritz. "Oh, father," cried
he, "don't you think we might make something like this for mother, and
carry her much more comfortably than jolting along in the cart?"
The boys shouted with glee at the proposal, and though their mother
thought the plan feasible enough, she confessed that she did not much
like the thoughts of sitting in the middle of a basket, and just looking
out now and then over the rim.
However, I assured her it should be a well-shaped, comfortable
sedan-chair, or litter; and the next question was how it should be
carried, since the boys could not play the part of Indian
palanquin-bearers, either with safety to their mother, or with any
pleasure to themselves.
"The bull and the buffalo!" cried Jack. "Why not use them for it? Let's
go and try them now!"
Off ran the boys, and in a short time the basket was securely hung
between Storm and Grumble. Fritz and Jack sprang into their saddles, and
Ernest very gingerly deposited himself in the "cradle," as Franz called
it; they set forth at a most sober pace, the animals, who were perfectly
docile, appearing only a little surprised at the new arrangement.
"Oh, it is so pleasant, mother, it is a delightful motion," cried
Ernest, as they passed us; "it swings and rocks really soothingly.
Quicker, Fritz! go quicker!" and the trot pleasing him equally well, the
pace gradually quickened, till the animals were going along at a rate
which shook and jolted the basket about most fearfully. Ernest called
and screamed in vain for a halt. His brothers thought it capital fun to
"shake up" the "professor," and made the circuit of the level ground
near Rockburg, finally pulling up in front of us, like performers
stopping to receive the applause of spectators.
It was impossible to help laughing, the scene was so ridiculous, but
Ernest was very angry with his brothers, his reproaches provoked high
words in reply, and a quarrel was imminent, but I interfered, and showed
them how easily a joke, carried too far, would lead to disputes and bad
feeling, urging them to avoid on all occasions any breach of the
good-fellowship and brotherly love which was the mainstay of our
strength and happiness.
Good humor was soon restored, Ernest himself helped to unharness the
beasts, and got some handfuls of salt and barley to reward their
exertions, saying that they must have some more palanquin-practice
another day.
I was seated with my wife and Fritz beneath the shade of the veranda,
engaged in wicker-work, and chatting pleasantly, when suddenly Fritz got
up, advanced a step or two, gazing fixedly along the avenue which led
from Jackal River, then he exclaimed:
"I see something so strange in the distance, father! What in the world
can it be? first it seems to be drawn in coils on the ground like a
cable, then uprises as if it were a little mast, then that sinks, and
the coils move along again. It is coming toward the bridge."
My wife took alarm at this description, and calling the other boys,
retreated into the cave, where I desired them to close up the entrances,
and keep watch with firearms at the upper windows. These were openings
we had made in the rock at some elevation, reached within by steps, and
a kind of gallery which passed along the front of the rooms.
Fritz remained by me while I examined the object through my spyglass.
"It is, as I feared, an enormous serpent!" cried I; "it advances
directly this way, and we shall be placed in the greatest possible
danger, for it will cross the bridge to a certainty."
"May we not attack it, father?" exclaimed the brave boy.
"Only with the greatest caution," returned I; "it is far too formidable,
and too tenacious of life, for us rashly to attempt its destruction.
Thank God, we are at Rockburg, where we can keep in safe retreat, while
we watch for an opportunity to destroy this frightful enemy. Go up to
your mother now, and assist in preparing the firearms; I will join you
directly, but I must further observe the monster's movements."
Fritz left me unwilling, while I continued to watch the serpent, which
was of gigantic size, and already much too near the bridge to admit of
the possibility of removing that means of access to our dwelling. I
recollected, too, how easily it would pass through the walls. The
reptile advanced with writhing and undulatory movements, from time to
time rearing its head to the height of fifteen or twenty feet, and
slowly turning it about, as though on the lookout for prey.
As it crossed the bridge, with a slow, suspicious motion, I withdrew,
and hastily rejoined my little party, which was preparing to garrison
our fortress in warlike array, but with considerable trepidation, which
my presence served in a measure to allay.
We placed ourselves at the upper openings, after strongly barricading
everything below, and, ourselves unseen, awaited with beating hearts the
further advance of the foe, which speedily became visible to us.
Its movements appeared to become uncertain, as though puzzled by the
trace of human habitation; it turned in different directions, coiling
and uncoiling, and frequently rearing its head, but keeping about the
middle of the space in front of the cave, when suddenly, as though
unable to resist doing so, one after another the boys fired, and even
their mother discharged her gun. The shots took not the slightest effect
beyond startling the monster, whose movements were accelerated. Fritz
and I also fired with steadier aim, but with the same want of success,
for the monster, passing on with a gliding motion, entered the reedy
marsh to the left, and entirely disappeared.
A wonderful weight seemed lifted from our hearts, while all eagerly
discussed the vast length and awful though magnificent appearance of the
serpent. I had recognized it as the boa constrictor. It was a vast
specimen, upward of thirty feet in length.
I explained to the children that its name in South America is Boaguacu;
the first syllable of that word, with the Latin addition, which
indicates that it kills its prey by pressure, or "constriction," gives
the name by which it is commonly known.
The near neighborhood of this terrific reptile occasioned me the utmost
anxiety; and I desired that no one should leave the house on any
pretense whatever, without my express permission.
During three whole days we were kept in suspense and fear, not daring to
stir above a few hundred steps from the door, although during all that
time the enemy showed no sign of his presence.
In fact, we might have been induced to think the boa had passed across
the swamp, and found his way by some cleft or chasm through the wall of
cliffs beyond, had not the restless behavior of our geese and ducks
given proof that he still lurked in the thicket of reeds which they were
accustomed to make their nightly resting place.
They swam anxiously about, and with much clapping of wings and disturbed
cackling showed their uneasiness; finally taking wing they crossed the
harbor, and took up their quarters on Shark Island.
My embarrassment increased, as time passed on. I could not venture to
attack with insufficient force a monstrous and formidable serpent
concealed in dense thickets amidst dangerous swamps; yet it was dreadful
to live in a state of blockade, cut off from all the important duties in
which we were engaged, and shut up with our animals in the unnatural
light of the cave, enduring constant anxiety and perturbation.
Out of this painful state we were at last delivered by none other than
our good old simple-hearted donkey; not, however, by the exercise of a
praiseworthy quality, such as the vigilance of the time-honored geese of
the Capitol, but by sheer stupidity.
Our situation was rendered the more critical from having no great stock
of provisions, or fodder for the animals; and the hay failing us on the
evening of the third day, I determined to set them at liberty by sending
them, under guidance of Fritz, across the river at the ford.
He was to ride Lightfoot, and they were to be fastened together until
safely over.
Next morning we began to prepare for this by tying them in a line, and
while so engaged my wife opened the door, when old Grizzle, who was
fresh and frolicsome after the long rest and regular feeding, suddenly
broke away from the halter, cut some awkward capers, then bolting out,
careened at full gallop straight for the marsh.
In vain we called him by name. Fritz would even have rushed after him,
had not I held him back. In another moment the ass was close to the
thicket, and with the cold shudder of horror, we beheld the snake rear
itself from its lair, the fiery eyes glanced around, the dark, deadly
jaws opened widely, the forked tongue darted greedily forth--poor
Grizzle's fate was sealed.
Becoming aware on a sudden of his danger, he stopped short, spread out
all four legs, and set up the most piteous and discordant bray that ever
wrung echo from the rocks.
Swift and straight as a fencer's thrust, the destroyer was upon him,
wound round him, entangled, enfolded, compressed him, all the while
cunningly avoiding the convulsive kicks of the agonized animal.
A cry of horror arose from the spectators of this miserable tragedy.
"Shoot him, father! oh, shoot him--do save poor Grizzle!"
"My children, it is impossible!" cried I. "Our old friend is lost to us
for ever! I have hopes, however, that when gorged with his prey we may
be able to attack the snake with some chance of success."
"But the horrible wretch is never going to swallow him all at once,
father?" cried Jack. "That will be too shocking!"
"Snakes have no grinders, but only fangs, therefore they cannot chew
their food, and must swallow it whole. But although the idea is
startling, it is not really more shocking than the rending, tearing, and
shedding of blood which occurs when the lions and tigers seize their
prey."
"But," said Franz, "how can the snake separate the flesh from the bones
without teeth? And is this kind of snake poisonous?"
"No, dear child," said I, "only fearfully strong and ferocious. And it
has no need to tear the flesh from the bones. It swallows them, skin,
hair, and all, and digests everything in its stomach."
"It seems utterly impossible that the broad ribs, the strong legs,
hoofs, and all, should go down that throat," exclaimed Fritz.
"Only see," I replied, "how the monster deals with his victim; closer
and more tightly he curls his crushing folds, the bones give way, he is
kneading him into a shapeless mass. He will soon begin to gorge his
prey, and slowly but surely it will disappear down that distended maw!"
The mother, with little Franz, found the scene all too horrible, and
hastened into the cave, trembling and distressed.
To the rest of us there seemed a fearful fascination in the dreadful
sight, and we could not move from the spot. I expected that the boa,
before swallowing his prey, would cover it with saliva, to aid in the
operation, although it struck me that its very slender forked tongue was
about the worst possible implement for such a purpose.
It was evident to us, however, that this popular idea was erroneous.
The act of lubricating the mass must have taken place during the process
of swallowing; certainly nothing was applied beforehand.
This wonderful performance lasted from seven in the morning until noon.
When the awkward morsel was entirely swallowed, the serpent lay stiff,
distorted, and apparently insensible along the edge of the marsh.
I felt that now or never was the moment for attack!
Calling on my sons to maintain their courage and presence of mind, I
left our retreat with a feeling of joyous emotion quite new to me, and
approached with rapid steps and leveled gun the outstretched form of the
serpent. Fritz followed me closely.
Jack, somewhat timidly, came several paces behind; while Ernest, after a
little hesitation, remained where he was.
The monster's body was stiff and motionless, which made its rolling and
fiery eyes and the slow, spasmodic undulations of it tail more fearful
by contrast.
We fired together, and both balls entered the skull; the light of the
eye was extinguished, and the only movement was in the further extremity
of the body, which rolled, writhed, coiled, and lashed from side to
side.
Advancing closer, we fired our pistols directly into its head, a
convulsive quiver ran through the mighty frame, and the boa constrictor
lay dead.
As we raised a cry of victory, Jack, desirous of a share in the glory of
conquest, ran close to the creature, firing his pistol into its side,
when he was sent sprawling over and over by a movement of its tail,
excited to a last galvanic effort by the shot.
Being in no way hurt, he speedily recovered his feet, and declared he
had given it its quietus.
"I hope the terrible noise you made just now was the signal of victory,"
said my wife, drawing near, with the utmost circumspection, and holding
Franz tightly by the hand. "I was half afraid to come, I assure you."
"See this dreadful creature dead at our feet; and let us thank God that
we have been able to destroy such an enemy."
"What's to be done with him now?" asked Jack.
"Let us get him stuffed," said Fritz, "and set him up in the museum
among our shells and corals."
"Did anybody ever think of eating serpents?" inquired Franz.
"Of course not!" said his mother. "Why, child, serpents are
poisonous--it would be very dangerous."
"Excuse me, my dear wife," said I. "First of all, the boa is not
poisonous; and then, besides that, the flesh of even poisonous snakes
can be eaten without danger; as, for instance, the rattlesnake, from
which can be made a strong and nourishing soup, tasting very like good
chicken broth--of course, the cook must be told to throw away the head,
containing the deadly fangs.
"It is remarkable that pigs do not fear poisonous snakes, but can kill
and eat them without injury. An instance of this occurs to my memory. A
vessel on Lake Superior, in North America, was wrecked on a small
island abounding in rattlesnakes, and for that reason uninhabited.
"The vessel had a cargo of live pigs. The crew escaped to the mainland
in a boat, but the pigs had to be left for some time, till the owner
could return to fetch them, but with the small hope of finding many left
alive.
"To his surprise, the animals were not only alive, but remarkably fat
and flourishing, while not a single rattlesnake remained on the island.
The pigs had clearly eaten the serpents."
"But might not some other cause have been assigned for their
disappearance?" asked Ernest. "Suppose, for example, that a great flight
of secretary birds had arrived, they might have cleared the island of
rattlesnakes."
"Oh, what is a secretary bird?" interrupted Franz. "I thought a
secretary meant a man who wrote letters."
"So it does, Franz, and the bird Ernest spoke of has curious long
feathers projecting from either side of its head, something like pens
stuck behind a man's ear; hence its name.
"It is perfectly true that it lives on snakes, lizards, toads, and
frogs, but, Ernest, I cannot give up my pigs; for, in the first place,
the secretary bird is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, and is never
seen in North America, neither does it ever fly in a flock; still, so
ravenous is its appetite, that, no doubt, even one or two, had they by
some miracle found themselves on Lake Superior, would have been able to
give a very good account of the deadly reptiles, and at least shared in
the glory of their extermination."
My wife having gone to prepare dinner, we continued talking as we rested
in the shade of some rocks, near the serpent, for a considerable time.
The open air was welcome to us after our long imprisonment: and we were,
besides, desirous to drive off any birds of prey who might be attracted
to the carcass, which we wished to preserve entire.
My boys questioned me closely on the subject of serpents in general; and
I described to them the action of the poison fangs; how they folded back
on the sides of the upper jaw; and how the poison-secreting glands and
reservoir are found at the back and sides of the head, giving to the
venomous serpents that peculiar width of head which is so unfailing a
characteristic.
"The fangs are hollow," said I, "and when the creature bites, the
pressure forces down a tiny drop of the liquid poison which enters the
wound, and, through the veins, quickly spreads over the entire system.
Sometimes, if taken in time, cures are effected, but in most cases the
bite of a serpent is followed by speedy death."
The children were much interested in my account of the snake-charmers of
India, how they fearlessly handle the most deadly of the serpent tribe,
the Cobra di Capello--or hooded cobra--cause them to move in time to
musical sounds from a small pipe, twine the reptile about their arms and
bare necks, and then, to prove that the poison fangs have not been
removed, make them bite a fowl, which soon dies from the effects.
"How is it possible to extract the fangs, father!" asked Ernest.
"No instrument is required," replied I; "I have read the account written
by a gentleman in India, who saw a snake-charmer catch a large cobra in
the jungle, and for the purpose of removing the fangs, hold up a cloth
at which the irritated snake flew, and the fangs being caught in it, the
man seized the reptile by the throat, extracted them, and then squeezed
out the poison, a clear oily substance, upon a leaf."
"What does the rattle of the rattlesnake look like? and how does it
sound?"
"At the tip of the tail are a number of curious, loose, horny structures
formed of the same substance as the scales. A very good idea of the
structure of the rattle may be formed by slipping a number of thimbles
loosely into each other.
"The rattlesnake lies coiled with its head flat, and the tip of its tail
elevated; when alarmed or irritated it gives a quivering movement to the
tail which causes the joints of the rattle to shake against each other
with a peculiar sound not easily described; all animals, even horses
newly brought from Europe, tremble at this noise, and try to escape."
"What is the best thing to be done for the bite of a serpent?" inquired
Fritz.
"Remedies are very various, very uncertain, and differ with the species
inflicting the bite.
"Suction, ammonia, oil, the use of the knife, application of fresh mold,
lunar caustic, leaves of certain plants, all these and more are
mentioned. There is a creeping plant, called _Aristolochia indica_, the
leaves of which have in repeated instances done wonders for fearful
bites. It is found in many parts of the world, but most plentifully in
the hotter regions.
"A mode of cure adopted by natives of India, Ceylon, and parts of
Africa, is by the application of a remarkable object called snake-stone.
These are described as flattish, something like half an almond with
squared ends, rather light, bearing a very high polish, and of an
intense jetty black.
"On being bitten by a cobra, the sufferer applies one of these 'stones'
to each puncture, where they adhere strongly for a time, five or six
minutes being about the average. They seem to absorb the blood as it
flows from the wound, and at last fall off, when the danger is
considered to be over.
"But now we must leave this fertile subject of discussion, and I can
only say I sincerely trust we may never have cause to resume it from the
appearance of another serpent here of any sort, size, or description.
"Come, Ernest, can you not give us an epitaph for our unfortunate friend
the donkey?
"We must afford him more honorable sepulture than he enjoys at present,
when we proceed, as we speedily must, to disembowel his murderer."
Ernest took the matter quite seriously, and planting his elbows on his
knees, he bent his thoughtful brow in his hands, and remained wrapt in
poetic meditation for about two minutes.
"I have it!" cried he; "but perhaps you will all laugh at me?"
"No, no, don't be shy, old fellow; spit it out!" and thus encouraged by
his brother, Ernest, with the blush of a modest author, began:
"Beneath this stone poor Grizzle's bones are laid,
A faithful ass he was, and loved by all.
At length, his master's voice he disobeyed,
And thereby came his melancholy fall.
A monstrous serpent, springing from the grass,
Seized, crushed, and swallowed him before our eyes
But we, though yet we mourn our honest ass,
Are grateful; for he thereby saved the lives
Of all the human beings on this shore--
A father, mother, and their children four."
"Hurrah for the epitaph! Well done, Ernest!" resounded on all sides, and
taking out a large red pencil I used for marking wood, the lines were
forthwith inscribed on a great flat stone, being, as I told the boy, the
very best poetry that had ever been written on our coast.
We then had dinner, and afterward went to work with the serpent.
The first operation was to recover the mangled remains of the ass, which
being effected, he was buried in the soft marshy ground close by, and
the hole filled up with fragments of rock.
Then we yoked Storm and Grumble to the serpent, and dragged it to a
convenient distance from Rockburg, where the process of skinning,
stuffing, and sewing up again afforded occupation of the deepest
interest to the boys for several days.
We took great pains to coil it round a pole in the museum, arranging
the head with the jaws wide open, so as to look as alarming as possible,
and contriving to make eyes and tongue sufficiently well to represent
nature; in fact, our dogs never passed the monster without growling, and
must have wondered at our taste in keeping such a pet.
Over the entrance leading to the museum and library were inscribed these
words:
NO ADMITTANCE FOR ASSES.
The double meaning of this sentence pleased us all immensely.