ack so as to start again
in the direction by which they had come, he broke a bough short off with
a loud crack.

The effect was instantaneous on the serpent.

The moment before the whole body had hung in heavy loops from the bough,
but at the first snap every part of it appeared to be in motion, and, as
dimly seen, one fold glided slowly over another, with a curious rustling
sound.

Rob made a start as if to dash off, but checked himself, and glanced at
Shaddy, who was watching him; and the boy felt the colour flush into his
cheeks, and a curious sense of annoyance came over him at the thought
that his companion was looking upon him as a coward.

"It's all right, my lad," said the guide quietly; "you needn't mind me.
You're a bit scared, and nat'rally. Who wouldn't be if he wasn't used
to these things? I was horribly afraid of the one I first saw, and, for
the matter of that, so I was about the next; but I've seen so many big
snakes that, so long as I can keep at a little distance, they don't
trouble me much. You see, they're not very dangerous to man, and always
get out of his way if they have a chance. There's been a lot said about
their 'tacking folk; and if you were to rouse that gentleman I daresay
he'd seize you, and, if he got a hold for his tail, twist round and
squeeze you to death; but you leave him alone and give him anything of a
chance, he'll show you the tip of his tail much sooner than he'll show
you his head. Look here!"

Shaddy looked round and picked up a short piece of a branch, which he
was about to throw, but the boy caught his arm.

"Don't make it angry," he said in a whisper. "The horrible thing may
come at us."

"I'm not going to make it angry," said Shaddy; "I'm going to make it
afraid," and he hurled the piece of mouldering wood with so good an aim
that it struck the branch near where the serpent was coiling itself more
closely and flew to pieces.

The serpent threw itself down with a crashing sound amongst the dense
undergrowth beneath, and disappeared from their sight.

"There," said Shaddy, "that's the way, you see. Gone?"

"No, no. Look out, Shaddy; it's coming this way," cried Rob excitedly,
as a rustling was heard, and directly after there was a low hiss; and
the movement among the twigs and dried leaves told that the creature was
coming toward them.

Whether it was coming straight for where they stood neither of them
stopped to see, but hurried off onward in the dir