had obtained specimens of the atlas
moth, a large flap-winged insect, as large across as a moderate dish; he
had shot sun-birds, azure kingfishers, gapers, chatterers, parroquets;
and his last achievement had been to kill a boa-constrictor twenty-four
feet long.

It was no dangerous monster, but a great sluggish brute, that had hissed
at him viciously and then tried to escape. But the doctor had for
attendant a very plucky little Malay, appointed by the sultan, and this
man was delighted with his task, following the doctor anywhere. Upon
this occasion he had come upon the serpent lying coiled up, evidently
sleeping off a repast of a heavy kind.

The boy shouted to the doctor, who was trying to stalk a lizard in an
open place; and this roused the serpent, which began to uncoil, one fold
gliding over the other, while its head was raised and its curious eyes
sparkled in the sun.

The boy waited his opportunity, and then darting in cleverly avoided the
reptile's teeth, and caught it by the tail, dragging the creature out
nearly straight as he called to his master to fire.

The serpent was apparently puzzled by this proceeding, and threw itself
round a tree, hissing furiously as it menaced its assailant. Then
sending a wave along the free part of its body to the tail, the Malay
was driven flying on to his back amidst the canes.

The retreat of the reptile was cut off, though, for this interruption
gave the doctor time to come up with his little double fowling-piece,
from which a quick shot sent the menacing, quivering head down upon the
earth; and then going up, a second shot placed the writhing monster
_hors de combat_.

There was no little mirth in the camp as, faint and perspiring
profusely, the doctor and his Malay boy came in, slowly dragging the
long quivering body of the serpent, which the former at once set to work
to skin before it should become offensive. Then the skin was laid raw
side upwards, and dressed over with arsenical soap, a dose of which the
Malay boy nearly succeeded in swallowing, being attracted by its
pleasant aromatic odour.

"Laugh away," said the doctor, "but I mean to have that skin set up and
sent to the British Museum, presented by Doctor Bolter," he said
importantly.

"Well," said Captain Horton, "for my part I would rather encounter a
fierce Malay than one of these writhing creatures. Take care of
yourself, doctor, or you'll be constricted."

"Yes," said Major Sandars, enter