Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 December 1891 — ALLIGATOR VS. BULL. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ALLIGATOR VS. BULL.

A Thrilling Battle Witnessed by a Ship’s Passenger. Passengers going up the San Juan River to the interior of Nicaragua see many strange sights along the shores lined with alligators, and through water filled with sharks, but seldom witness a finer battle-royal than one that took place between a young bull and an alligator. A bit of prairie land or savannah came down through the dense tropical jungle, the impenetrable tangle of trees and vines offering an opportunity for the herds of wild cattle to drink that was 'not ignored. The habits of the herd had evidently been carefully studied by a wily old alligator, as he lay day after day in the

mud, licking his insect-laden chops and dreaming of a dainty meal of delicate veal. The steamer was tied up to the bank when the “gaiter’s” opportunity arrived. A calf had strayed unnoticed from the herd towards the water. An ugly black nose appeared above the water, followed by a wicked twinkling eye and a long scaly body. A cautious crawl up the low bank; and the ugly saurian ran with astonishing rapidity for its prey. A shout and an ill-directed shot alarmed the calf. There was a big bawl, answered by the whole herd, the calf running frantically from and the whole herd toward the water fiend. Then both sides paused, the aligator sinking closer toward the ground, the cows standing with ears erect, their big brown eyes filled with astonishment and fear. Another instant and the cows and calves moved slowly off to one side, ever keeping their heads to the foe, and a young bull alone remained facing the enemy. The young guardian of,the herd slowly advanced to the attack, his magnificent eyes shining with the light of battle, his tail switching nervously, and his head tossing like a swordsman practicing his finest thrusts. It looked for a moment as though the alligator would retreat. Then a vibration ran through his scales, the huge mouth opened, his gurgling threat was answered by a defiant bellow, and with increditable swiftness on the part of both the combatants met. The cruel rows of teeth closed on the leg of the bull near the body, stripping muscle and sinew from the bone, while the polished horn sanlp deep into the alligator’s breast. A quick withdrawal on the partof both, a lightning-like turn of the head, and the other horn of the bull impaled his enemy. A great shudder ran over the body of the alligator, and the blood gushed forth as he reared in his rage and pain. For an instant both feet rested as they were, and then the saurian with a last desperate effort whirled himself on the impaling horn, striking the bull on the side with terrific force, the crash of the blow echoing along the river. No ribs or muscles could withstand the assault. The brave young hero fell upon his side, twisting his neck out of joint. One final effort t:i move his head, one longing look toward the panic-stricken herd, and the look in the beautiful-brown eyes died out forever. A cry of sympathy and regret arose from the spectators, and pistol balls glanced from the armored back of the alligator as he feebly slunk back into the water, covered with the execrations of all the witnesses.