Halloween tale

“Three young jute wallahs, on leave from their jute mills in West Bengal, were spending a few days at a remote forest bungalow overlooking the river Sarda, known to be one of India’s most prolific angling waters,” writes Kenneth Miln.

“It was October 31, the sun had set and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves on the trees. Fin (from Kirriemuir) and Jim and John (from Dundee) were enjoying the

peace after months of dust and sweat in the mills. However, the peace was disturbed by the baying of a pack of jackals prowling around the bungalow’s veranda. However, the lads retired to their rooms for a good night’s sleep and an early rise to pursue their piscatorial ambitions.

“It was close to midnight when a scream from Jim’s room caused Fin and John to leap from their beds and run towards whatever had caused the disturbance. Jim must have fallen asleep leaving his door open and his hurricane lamp alight.

“Possibly attracted by the light and warmth, a large king cobra had entered his room and reared up over his bed. Fin and John watched in horror as the big snake, excited by the all the noise, spread its hood and began swaying in preparation to strike.

“For some seconds, Fin and John stood paralysed, but then Fin took hold of a fishing rod near the doorway and struck out hard at the reptile. The line, with a heavy metal lure, encircled the beast’s neck in ever-tightening coils. It sank to the floor semi-conscious. Quickly, Fin held the line tight while the others took hold of the snake’s tail and pulled it out of the bungalow.

“Fin released his hold on the line, the snake recovered and slithered back into the jungle – to have killed a king cobra

would have brought bad luck, according to local lore.”