p one of my trousers legs, I think that we can
conquer the reptile."

"The position which you assign me is none of the most pleasant, my
friend," Mr. Brown said, "for I don't know what part of the reptile is
in your hand, and what kind of an animal you are struggling with. I will
comply with your request, though, if I lose my life in accomplishing
it."

He hastily collected a few leaves, struck a match and set fire to them.
The flames gave sufficient light for the purpose, and in less than a
minute's time Mr. Brown was ready to work.

"Steady with your hand," he said, as he passed his arm up my trousers
leg in search of the squirming reptile. "In less than ten seconds we
shall be either laughing or crying."

The snake, as though aware that its time was near, made a desperate
attempt to escape, but I held fast, although I confess that the effort
cost me more mental resolution than I ever exercised before, for the
position in which I was situated was no envious one. I felt the cold
perspiration streaming down my face in large drops, and my heart beat as
though it was attempting to force its way through my side, and go into
business on its own account, independent of the body.

"For God's sake, be quick," I cried, fearing that I should faint before
my friend accomplished his object.

"Patience, patience--don't get into a rage, for it will not help us. If
the snake is of the poisonous species, a few seconds will not make much
difference; and if the reptile is harmless, were it not for the feeling
of the thing, it might as well lodge in your trousers as in any other
part of our camp equipage. Don't jerk so--the thing has nerves as well
as yourself."

Much more did Mr. Brown say, but I was in no humor to talk, or even to
listen; and yet I can now frankly confess that if he had not made light
of my misfortune I should have suffered ten times the amount of mental
agony that I did. His jesting style of treating the affair was alone
sufficient to make me keep up my spirits, and imagine the matter as one
of less consequence than it really was.

"Now, then, are you ready?" cried Mr. Brown, "and I felt the snake
suddenly cease its gyrations and strain to effect its escape, but I held
on with a hand of iron.

"When I say three, do you let go suddenly," my friend exclaimed.

I was only too willing.

"One."

"Two."

It seemed an age between the monosyllables, yet I held on patiently.

"Three."

I released my hold,