38 WILD SPORTS IN THE SOUTH 



which they had evidently heard of from the servants, and 

 I learned, for the first time, that I could only kill the 

 alligator with a ball, and even with that it was no certain 

 matter. I also was informed that this particular alligator 

 had frequented that spot for several years, and was well 

 known on the plantation by the name of John Bull. 



The next morning as I rose I incontinently cast my 

 eye over to the bayou, and there, in the full enjoyment 

 of the glories of the sunrise, lay my yesterday's acquain- 

 tance. It did not take me three minutes to get into my 

 clothes and down to the rice bank. I saw the grinning 

 waiters at the door, but I did not care, for I was armed 

 with a rifle and sure of my game. I took a rest on the 

 high bank, and sighting for a big chocolate spot on his 

 side, I fired away. A wheeze, like a plethoric alderman, 

 came from across the creek, and wdth a mighty splash 

 the animal slid into the river, and the dark waters closed 

 over him. I knew I had not missed him, but, as he did 

 not rise, I supposed him dead at the bottom. 



" Well, Charlie, my boy, how's the shooting to-day ?" 

 was the hearty salutation of my host as I took my seat at 

 breakfast. A suppressed giggle, behind me, informed 

 me that the negroes were enjoying the joke, and I had 

 to explain it as best I could, which I did, by assuring my 

 friend that the alhgator w^as dead at the bottom of the 

 river. 



" How's that, Johnson ? Do you think you can find 

 his body ?" said my friend to his huntsman, as he came 

 in to get his orders for the day. 



