was rugged too, with great masses of stone,
which showed amongst the trunks and undergrowths, while opposite to them
there was a black cavernous rift, as if the rock had been suddenly split
open, all of which had been previously hidden by the dense growth.

"This is going to prove a lovely place," said Oliver eagerly.

"Ah! Too late. Did you see it?"

For a bird had suddenly hopped into view over the top of a bush, and,
before the young naturalist could bring his gun to bear, darted out of
sight among the foliage, giving those who saw it the impression of a
vivid flash of fiery scarlet passing rapidly before their eyes.

"You're all right now," said Panton. "There are plenty of birds."

"Yes, and so are you two," replied Oliver. "Look at the rocks and
trees."

"Hi! Gents, look out," cried the sailor. "Here we are."

The gun-locks clicked as the man started back after pointing before him
at the narrow opening in the rocks, and upon Oliver carefully advancing,
there lay just visible some dozen feet within the gloomy rift, about ten
or a dozen inches of a serpent's tail, the reptile having taken refuge
in the cavernous place.

"Here's one of them evidently," said Oliver, holding his gun ready.

"Yes, sir, tail end of him."

Oliver laughed.

"Have it your own way. But come along, Smith. Here's a chance to
distinguish yourself. Step forward and lay hold of the end, and pull
the thing out. We'll cover you with our guns."

"You don't mean it, sir, do you?"

"Indeed, but I do."

"Well, sir, begging your pardon, as a man as wants to do his duty, it
ar'nt to be done."

"All right, I'm not your captain, but if you will not, I must!"

"No, no, you'd better not," cried Panton.

"Pooh, the brute's dead, or nearly so. Will you go, Drew?"

"What, and pull that thing out of its hole? No. If it was a strange
plant."

"Yes, or some wonderful mineral, but a huge snake. Ugh!"

"Hold my gun, Smith," said Oliver. "I mean to have that fellow's skin,
but I expect he will be pretty heavy."

He handed his gun to the sailor, and stepped cautiously forward,
separating the tangle of creepers, which hung down from above, and
clambering over loose fragments of lava-like rock, found that he was at
the entrance of what was evidently a rift penetrating far into the
bowels of the earth, while a strange feeling of awe came over him, as he
now became aware of low hissing and muttering sounds, evidently from
somewhe