bered tearfully to
themselves, and the old rascal of a snake slipped right off into a
trance.

'At last the music ceased, and the little musician left me while he went
in to hang up his musical instrument in safety. Meanwhile, in spite of
the state to which they had been elevated, the absurd creatures had all
scurried off, as usual, with no other thought in their savage minds than
to get each his own supper at any cost. The old snake, however, did not
recover as quickly as the others, and when at length he awakened from
his trance, he could see that all the others had vanished, and that I
was lying on the grass, quite unprotected, the gnome not having, as yet,
returned to my side. "Ha, ha!" said he to himself, his savage nature
having returned in all its force, "what a slice of luck! By gum! I never
see such a beauty. Won't the youngsters be just delighted!" He rapidly
slithered in my direction and, quickly tying the end of his long form
securely round me, slithered away again, carrying me through the long
grass at a bewildering speed.

'After travelling in this rough fashion for some time, we at length came
to a clearing in the heart of the wood, in which stood all that remained
of the ancient temple, and amongst its fallen columns and walls,
overgrown as they were with wild flowers and tall grasses, the old snake
had made his home, where he lived in comfort with his wife and a large
brood of pranksome snakelets.

'We were greeted by the youngsters with every mark of joy and surprise.
"How good of you, Henry," cried the mother, "and what a really fine
specimen! Shall we have him to-night, or keep him for next Tuesday, my
birthday you know, dear?" After a little talk it was decided that I
should be held over until the next Tuesday, and in the meantime I was
placed in the larder, and given plenty of odd scraps to eat, no doubt to
keep me plump and in good condition.

'Tuesday came round in due course and, in order to celebrate the day in
a manner suitable to the greatness of the occasion, the old snake
invited all his neighbours. When I was brought out of the larder, on a
large dish, roars of delight rose to the sky from the throats of the
assembled guests, all seated round on the fallen stones of the ruined
temple.

'The old lion was there, smacking his lips in anticipation of a nice
cut, and the tiger's mouth was visibly watering at the prospect of such
a feast: while, as for the little snakelets, they kept up qu