CHAPTER XIII.

THE ADVENTURES OF SMITH, JONES AND BROWN--JONES, HEARING THAT A SNAKE IS IN THE BOAT, JUMPS INTO THE CANAL.

In getting up a party to visit Lake Drummond, you will always find more or less of the party who are afraid of snakes. On this occasion the party consisted of only three--Smith, Jones and Brown--all citizens of Suffolk. They prepared themselves with the necessary outfit and started for the canal. Their boat being ready they embarked and soon were on the way. Smith being the most expert took the wheel, Brown placed himself at the bow, so that he could ward off approaching danger, and Jones, who was the timid one of the party, was put amidship the boat, with his back to Brown. I knew the parties well; they are all living, and I will narrate the snake story as I was told by Brown, who will vouch for its authenticity. They had not passed the great terror to all who go to the Lake (Paradise Old Fields), where can be seen everything that is hideous; a place that is dreaded, and if it could, would be shunned by every one who visits the Lake. Things of most unquestionable shapes have been seen by persons when passing it. No one has ever given any account of the history of the Field, which you are compelled to pass going to Lake Drummond, and which has deterred many from venturing to it. Owing to the many snake stories that has been told by persons who said they were born to see spirits, there can be no doubt that there is a legend connected with that Field. Some have argued that the Field was at one time filled with grottos, and that the fairies of Lake Drummond would leave their realm and by a subterranean passage into it to bask in the beauties which surrounded it. Profane history informs us that it was at this place that Pluto and Proserpine left for the infernal regions. That will make no difference about the snake story that I will relate. A snake is a wonderful reptile, and it is not necessary for one to be seen that one should be frightened. The very mention, in some instances, is sufficient to scare those who are the least timid. So it was in this instance. Jones, as I have said before, was one of a party that were going to the Lake. He was afraid of snakes. Smith and Brown knew it and they determined to have a little sport at his expense. Jones was highly delighted with the grandeur of the scenery by the side of the canal, as they rode along, and was expatiating upon the wonders of nature. Smith was charmed with the romantic effusions of Jones, and paid no attention to Brown, who was sitting at the bow of the boat, here looked toward him, and seeing that he was intently searching for something, asked what was the matter. Brown answered that a snake was in the boat and that he was trying to find it. Here Jones commenced to twist and squirm. "Hallo!" said Brown: "here's another!" No sooner had he said another when Jones sprang into the canal. He made several lunges and, Peter like, looked as if he was walking on the water. Smith added more steam to the boat and Jones was overhauled and taken into the boat, very much frightened. They had not gone very far when Brown said: "I believe that snake is in the boat yet," and at the same time threw at Jones a piece of rattan, which is good to scare one with--it's a veritable snake. He was again taken into the boat, quite exhausted and cold from his ablutions. Brown prepared some ciderberry juice for him, with some pepper and other things that they had along which, after taking, Jones became more quiet. Brown says that when he thinks about that snake story it fills him so with laughter that he has to buckle a strap around him to support his physical organization. Jones has not ventured to the Lake since that time, and Brown is afraid to tell him that the snake in the boat was only a piece of rattan. If you want to see snakes come to Suffolk and get Brown to go with you to the Lake of the Dismal Swamp, and he will amuse you to your heart's content.

To be continued, introducing several thrilling stories connected with the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, together with bear hunting and the fearful consequences attending, and later accounts of the whereabouts of Uncle Alek's mule.

* * * * *

SUFFOLK MILITARY ACADEMY.

ESTABLISHED 1875.

The following constitute an able and experienced Faculty: JOSEPH KING, A. M., Principal (with 27 years' experience as a teacher). REV. ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., (Randolph-Macon) Associate. P. ST. JULIEN WILSON (Virginia Military Institute). DR. W. W. MURRAY (Dublin University). DR. A. W. ELEY, DR. E. D. PHILLIPS, Attending Physicians.

The testimonals (see catalogue) from distinguished educators at the University of Virginia, the Virginia Military Institute and other institutions--from leading members of the Virginia Conference--from its patrons in different States, and from the leading citizens of Suffolk, are a sufficient guarantee of the high character and standing of the school and the practical ability and fidelity of the teachers.

Boys and Young Men are here prepared for business or for college, and are surrounded by the best social and religious influences.

The military exercises (which take no time from regular study hours) are only intended to make boys healthy and strong, and to give them an erect and graceful bearing.

The Academy is supplied with Chemical and Philosophical Apparatus for Scientific Illustration; with Charts, Globes and Magic Lantern, to illustrate Geography, Physiology, Natural History and Astronomy; with new instruments for field work in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering; with two telegraph instruments and batteries for practice in Telegraphy, and other educational appliances for different branches of study. Handsome nickel-plated rifles and accoutrements furnished by the State.

All our arrangements are home-like, and conducive to health, comfort and mental and moral development.

Total expenses for one year, including neat navy blue uniform, from $175 to $190.

For twenty page catalogue, with view of buildings and grounds, address

JOSEPH KING, A. M., Principal, Or REV. ROWLAND DOGGETT, A. M., Associate, SUFFOLK, VA.

CHARTERED 1872.

SUFFOLK COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE!

SUFFOLK,--VA.

=PREPARATORY, PRACTICAL OR FINISHING=

--IN--

=Classics, Mathematics, Sciences and the Fine Arts!=

ADEQUATE FACULTY.

DISCIPLINE--Self-acting under Parental and Christian direction. _Character_ is primary. _Conduct_ is resultant.

DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS.--Economical, substantial, home-like.

TERMS.--Reasonable. Both sexes admitted.

Sessions begin middle of September and end the following June. For Catalogues and other information address

=PROF. P. J. KERNODLE, A. M.,= PRINCIPAL.

CHARTERED 1881.

SUFFOLK

=Female Institute=

FOR

YOUNG LADIES AND LITTLE GIRLS.

=BOARD AND LITERARY TUITION $160 A YEAR=

The Charter authorizes the Faculty to confer the regular Collegiate Degrees.

The eighteenth annual session opened in September, 1887, and closes the second Wednesday in June, 1888.

Students received at any time, but are advised to enter at the beginning of a term.

Suffolk is one of the healthiest and most accessible towns in Virginia.

The corps of teachers is efficient and experienced. The home training, moral and attractive. Fine advantages in Music, Art and Languages, at modern rates.

For catalogue apply to

=MISSES FINNEY,= Box 146. SUFFOLK, VA.

WEST END

SEMINARY

FOR

YOUNG LADIES AND GIRLS.

SUFFOLK, VA.

The first session of this institution commenced its exercises September 20th, 1887, with flattering prospects, being attended by young ladies from Surry, Southampton, Isle of Wight and Nansemond counties.

The large and commodious brick building, recently erected on Kilby street, by Dr. Skiles, has been secured for the purpose.

The course of instruction is such as to prepare young ladies for the various duties of life.

Special attention paid to moral and religious training, as well as social cultivation, thereby rendering this a home-like school.

Terms very moderate.

For any desired information address

COL. WM. H. DARDEN, MISS NOVELLA S. DARDEN, Principals. Or MISS LIZZIE J. KING, Associate.

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Table of Contents does not appear in the original book. It has been added for readers' convenience.

Some punctuation and typographical errors have been corrected to reflect the author's intention.