Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1908 — Had a Narrow Escaoe. [ARTICLE]

Had a Narrow Escaoe.

The men of our plantation had gathered for a dinner in the veranda of our bungalow in Ceylon. The superintendent sat at the head of the table, my seat being on his left, six chairs from his heed. We were all having a merry time when the superintendent said; “Boys as yog value a life, keep on as usual, but none of you leave, and you, Charlie, do not stir, as your life depends on It* He spoke a few words to one of the native attendants, who hurried awsy and returned in a minute. Stepping softly behind my chair he quickly threw a wet cloth over a cobra’s head, and It was killed immediately. The snake, unnoticed by any one, had entwined Itself around the chair and brought its narrow head on a level with the side of my face. As I moved my eyes I saw Its tongue shooting In. and I knew if I moved it was certain death.—Chicago Tribune.