and put forth his hand to gather it.
As he did so there was a bright green flash, and the lad started back
only just in time. There was a swish of steel, and a snake fell to the
ground severed in half, yet still writhing horribly.

"A thousand thanks!" said Roger. "I owe you my life again, Harry. He
would surely have bitten me if you had not been so quick with your
sword."

They examined the reptile, which was about six feet long, and of a
brilliant green above and light yellow underneath, with the heart-shaped
head that betokened an extremely venomous variety. Tossing the two
writhing halves of the body into the bush with the point of his sword,
and giving a shrug of repugnance, Roger passed on, followed by Harry,
with no further desire to pluck orchids, and each taking care to look
well about him.

Presently they came to a small clearing, and on the opposite side saw an
opening in the bush which seemed to suggest that someone had recently
passed that way.

They crossed the clearing and pushed through the opening on the other
side, and, after going about half a mile, heard the report of a gun
close to them, followed by a great fluttering of wings, as a host of
startled birds flew away from the branches where they had been roosting.

A few moments later they came upon Leigh, accompanied by a seaman
carrying a large bag, which seemed to be well filled, and gave promise
of a few savoury meals in the immediate future.

Roger at once gave him Mr Cavendish's orders to reassemble the men, and
then asked him how far he had succeeded in his hunting.

"Oh, very well, Roger!" replied Leigh. "I have nearly filled the bag,
as you may see, and some of the birds are fine big fellows, and should
be excellent eating. At any rate we will sample them at mess this
evening. But I must be off and get the men together. As you two have
liberty until we start for the ship, you may take this musket and
ammunition, if you like, and try to shoot something on your own account.
One's own shooting always tastes best, I am told," he added with a
laugh, as he prepared to return. "But I should not wander too far away,
if I were you," he advised. "We do not know the place as yet, and there
may be dangers that we are not aware of; so be careful."

The lads thanked Mr Leigh for the loan of the musket, and the
lieutenant disappeared to collect the men, telling the lads that he
would sound the trumpet if they were not in sight when it wa