quite dry, and perhaps there may be
some like it in the other huts. If not, I shall have to cut some from
the edge of the pool, I suppose, and lay it out to dry."

He took Lavie's hatchet, and went into the nearest hut, the roof of
which had been broken in in one or two places, but was still tolerably
sound. He saw, as he stepped through the doorway, that he had not been
mistaken about the reeds. A large heap had been lodged in one corner by
the wind, and seemed to be quite dry. He stepped forward, and laying
down his hatchet, gathered up a large armful. In so doing, he trod upon
what appeared to be the end of a log: but his foot had no sooner touched
it, than it was drawn away from under him, and a sharp hiss warned him
that he had disturbed some enemy. At the same instant he felt a strong
pressure round his legs and waist, and perceived that he was enveloped
in the coils of a large serpent, which was rapidly winding itself round
his chest. A moment afterwards, the flat diamond-shaped head came in
sight, the eyes glaring fiercely at him, and the slaver dropping from
the open jaws. Ernest's arms were happily free, and he availed himself
of the circumstance with the cool promptitude of his character. He
glanced for a moment at the hatchet lying on the ground a few feet off;
but he felt that it would be impossible for him to stoop to pick it up.
It must be a struggle of muscle against muscle. Thrusting out his right
hand, he grasped the snake by the neck, at the same time shouting aloud
for help. The creature no sooner felt its antagonist's grasp, than it
turned its head, endeavouring to bite. Finding itself unable to seize
Ernest's hand, it drew in its folds, aiming at his face. The lad in an
instant found that his muscular power was not nearly equal to that of
his enemy. He seized hold of his right wrist with his other hand,
throwing the whole power of his frame into the effort, but in vain.
Slowly, inch by inch, his sinews were compelled to yield. Inch by inch
the horrid fangs came nearer and nearer to his face. With the strength
of despair he contrived to keep the reptile at bay for a few minutes
longer; but his powers were fast failing him, and he expected every
moment to feel the sharp teeth lacerating his flesh. Suddenly a shock
seemed to be communicated to the monster's frame. The terrible grip of
the folds relaxed, and the threatening head drooped lax and powerless.
Ernest cast his eyes downwards