e
tail, and unwind it from his wrist."

A momentary repugnance thrilled Mr Preston. Then he seized the little
reptile, and proceeded to untwine it from its constriction of Lawrence's
wrist.

It seemed a little thing to do, but it was surprising how tightly it
clung, and undulated, contracting itself, but all in vain, for Mr
Preston tore it off and held it out as straight as he could get the
heaving body, encouraged in his efforts by Yussuf's declaration that the
head was safe.

Had it not been for his strong grasp the asp would have been torn from
Lawrence's failing grasp, for he was evidently growing giddy and faint,
when, placing his knife as close to the neck as he could get it, Yussuf
gave one bold upward cut and divided the reptile, Mr Preston throwing
down the writhing body while the head was still held tightly within
Lawrence's hand.

"Do not give way, Lawrence effendi," said Yussuf in the same stern
commanding voice as he had used before. "Hold up your hand--so. That
is well."

He twisted the lad's clasped hand, thumb upwards, as he spoke; and those
who looked on saw a few drops of blood fall from the serpent's neck as
it moved feebly, the strength being now in the body that writhed among
the stones.

"Let him throw it down now," cried Mr Preston. "He may be bitten, and
we must see to him."

"No," said Yussuf; "he must not open his hand yet. The head may have
strength to bite even now. A few minutes, effendi, and we will see."

He watched Lawrence curiously, and with a satisfied air, for instead of
growing more faint, the lad seemed to be recovering fast--so fast,
indeed, that he looked up at Yussuf and exclaimed:

"Let me throw the horrid thing away."

"It did not bite you?" said Yussuf quickly.

"No, I think not. It had no time," replied Lawrence.

Yussuf said something to himself, and then, as he retained the hand
within his, he exclaimed:

"Tell us how you came to seize the dangerous beast."

"I took it for a lizard," said the lad, who was nearly himself again,
and then he related the whole of the circumstances.

"Hah! An easy mistake to make," said Yussuf loosening his grasp. "Now,
effendi, keep tight hold and raise your hand high like this; now, quick
as lightning, dash the head down upon that stone."

Lawrence obeyed, and the asp's head fell with a dull pat, moved
slightly, and the jaws slowly opened, and remained gaping.

"Let me look at your hand, Lawrence," cried Mr Pres