and Mr. Brown, with a quick movement of his hand,
dashed the reptile to the ground, and stamped upon it with his heavy
boots.

"Now let us see what species it is," he said, kicking it towards the
fire. A moment's examination, and a hearty laugh set my fears at rest.

"You might have slept with a dozen beneath you, and no harm would have
happened. It is nothing but a green snake, and a small one at that."

I could hardly believe the welcome news, and a personal inspection was
necessary to convince me of the fact, and then a strong drink from my
flask was needful to compose my nerves, and render me a fit subject for
sleep.

"Let me give you a word of advice," Mr. Brown said, joining me in the
drink with wonderful alacrity. "Never again camp out without seeing that
the bottoms of your trousers are shoved tight into the tops of your
boots. This simple precaution sometimes saves much trouble and
suffering. I again drink to your lucky escape."

"If you do, try the contents of your own bottle, then, for mine is
running low."

Mr. Brown did not heed my request, and I had the satisfaction of hearing
the liquor gurgling down his throat as though he liked it exceedingly;
and when he did return the bottle, he gave me more fatherly advice,
which was to the effect that I should carry a larger flask during my
travels, if I expected to be successful in life, and die happy.

CHAPTER LXVI.

JOURNEY AFTER THE BURIED TREASURE.

I have a distinct impression that I was thinking on the subject when
sleep overtook me, and when I was awakened Mr. Brown was already rolling
up his blankets and making his toilet.

"Come," he exclaimed, "let us be stirring before sunrise, and by ten
o'clock we can reach the banks of the Loddon. Get the kettle from the
pack, and we will have a cup of coffee for breakfast."

While I was unpacking the miscellaneous articles which the pack horse
was compelled to carry, Mr. Brown started a fire, and in a short time
the fumes of boiling coffee mingled with the fragrance of the numerous
flowers which grew upon the banks of the stream.

"How did you sleep?" I inquired, while cooling my pot of coffee, and
eating my cake of bread, seasoned with a small piece of salt pork, which
I had broiled on a stick.

"Not very soundly, I must confess, yet I think that I can get through
the day without a _siesta_. By the way, how you do snore!"

"Do?" I asked, "I didn't know that you was sufficiently awake during