A HUNTER’S RUSE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 485

A HUNTER’S RUSE.

Montaigne says that a man’s wit is a man’s danger unless he knows how to use it. But a witty Florida hunter, of whom an exchange chronicles an anecdote, showed himself master of his situation. He proved his property and covered his risks. Many years ago, near a place called Enterprise, on a point jutting into Lake Monroe, during all bright days a big alligator used to lie basking in the sun. He was well known to the whole neighbourhood, The entire coterie of sportsmen at the only hotel used to call him ‘ Big Ben,’ and proud hunters would talk and even dream of the time when a well-aimed rifle-shot would end his long career. But Big Ben was as cunning as a serpent, and whenever any one, afoot or afloat, came unpleasantly near, lie would slide off into the water—which meant good-bye for the rest of the day. One line morning a sportsman paddling up the lake, luckily with his rifle in his canoe, came upon Big Ben so sound asleep that he stole up within range and put a bullet through the alligator’s brain. What to do next was a problem. He could not tow the monster all the way to Enterpise with his tiny canoe. A bright idea struck him. He put his visiting-card into the beast’s mouth and paddled swiftly back. Several hunters were at the wharf, and the slayer of Big Ben hastened to inform them that while out paddling he had come within easy range of the ’gator, which was no doubt still lying motionless on the point. A flotilla of boats and canoes, manned by an army with rifles, instantly started for the point. To avoid confusion it was agreed that all should go down together, and that the entire party, if they were lucky enough to find Big Ben still there, should fire a volley at the word of command. As they approached the point, the hearts of all beat quickly ; and when, with straining eyes, they saw Big Ben apparently asleep and motionless upon the bank, even the coolest could hardly control his feelings. Bang ! bang ! went a score of rifles, and Ben, riddled with bullets, lay motionless upon the point. With a cheer of triumph the excited sportsmen leaped ashore, and fastening a rope round the dead alligator towed him to Enterprise. There the original slayer awaited them on the wharf. When the creature was laid upon the shore he opened its mighty jaws and disclosed his visiting card, at the same time thanking them most politely for their kindness in bringing his alligator home.