The Marietta Journal

Champion Alligator Story.

On the 5th inst., Mr. James Wright, of No. 1, Macon and Brunswick Railroad, went out to look for some sheep ranging near Turtle river, some twelve miles above Brunswick. Dr. Blain joined him for the purpose of hunting deer. Among their pack they took an old hound from Brunswick together with two young puppies belonging to Mr. W., which he had never given a chance to try their mettle in a deer chase.

As soon as the city dog got out into the country, like most city folks, he wanted to be first in the chase, struck a trail of a cow and at once made off for her followed by the young puppies, like all new beginners letting their enthusiasm run away with their judgment. They soon ran the cow into the river and swam in after her. As soon as Mr. Wright saw that he could not call the dogs back, he passed his gun to Dr. Blain and rode rapidly down to the water's edge. He took in the situation at once, and seeing the danger of losing his fine young dogs by their being swallowed by a huge alligator, which was making directly for the cows and dogs. He leaped into the water, hoping thereby to frighten the monster until he could get his dogs out of danger. He secured one of his puppies and threw him out on the bank; but his alligator ship refused to be thwarted in his designs, and turned not to the right or left, but swam right up to Mr. Wright. He saw that something must be done, and seizing a heavy piece of driftwood, struck the alligator a heavy blow on the head. This stunned the 'gator for a while, and sent him under the water. A happy thought struck Mr. Wright. It was to pull the cow to land and thereby save his dogs. He at once seized the cow by the hind leg and started for the shore, but to his horror and surprise the 'gator seized the cow by the neck, and despite Mr. Wright's efforts, he wrenched her from his grasp, and by rapid movements in the water he succeeded in drowning the cow. As a prudential measure, Mr. Wright concluded to watch further developments on higher land. He pronounced 'gator the champion of the contest.

Mr. Wright, knowing that the tide would fall by the next morning, determined to return and see what disposition the 'gator had made of his victim. When Mr. Wright reached the river he saw the 'gator guarding his beef. Being in easy range he discharged one barrel of his gun, intending to break the 'gator's back, but the shot did not enter his tough hide, and only enraged him, and he made rapidly for his assailant. Mr. Wright seeing there was no time to lose, discharged another load behind his fore leg, which disconcerted him, giving Mr. Wright time to reload. Two more shots brought the monster to terms, and Mr. Wright took his measure as well as his hide. He was eleven feet long and immense in size.