. Rainsfield, "to be running
away from us to kill a snake, and perhaps incur the risk of getting
bitten by another. While he was here, and it was not safe for us to go
up, he might as well have remained."

We will not follow the conversation that ensued; but merely state that
after some minutes had elapsed, as the party began to expect the return
of Tom disappointed of his game, a shot was heard, and after a few
moments another; upon which Mrs. Rainsfield remarked, "I suppose we
shall soon see our snake-hunter now, and see what sport he has had. If
he does not produce some trophy, we must give him no peace; but here he
comes." At which moment Tom Rainsfield presented himself, and threw down
before his friends the bodies of two green snakes; which we may here
remark are a kind extremely dangerous, from the difficulty of detecting
them, owing to their colour so much resembling that of the foliage of
the trees or grass. The ladies instantly jumped up from their sitting
posture with a scream; but perceiving that the snakes were no longer
dangerous, they were speedily reassured, and demanded to hear the
adventure which had resulted in their destruction. This Tom promised to
tell them, after he had submitted his hands to a slight ablution in the
creek; and accordingly did so as they retraced their steps to the camp;
and we, to enlighten the reader on the subject, will follow him
succinctly in his own words.

"I managed," said he, "to get up the face of the range with some
difficulty, for it was awfully steep; but though I succeeded in reaching
the top, I had little or nothing for my trouble; for beyond an expanse
of bush, there was absolutely no view. It is true I could just obtain a
glimpse of 'the hill,' and the windings of the river at various bends,
but that was all; and the prospect was certainly not worth the trouble
of reaching the elevation to obtain. I was soon satisfied with its
contemplation; and turned to come down, which, if not convenient or
safe, was certainly easy and expeditious; for I had continually to hold
on by one of the overhanging branches of the smaller trees, and either
slide, jump, or precipitate myself down steeps and over perpendicular
rocks. In making one of these little exploits, I lost my footing by
dislodging a large stone; which, but for the grasp I had of the stout
bough of a tree, I should certainly have followed. However, I saved
myself; and watching the stone in its downward progress, as