ised about eighteen
inches from the ground, and their wide mouths were expanded as though
grinning at our flight.

"Run faster," yelled the inspector, who was watching the novel race,
seated on his horse.

We tried to obey, but found that we were putting our best energies to
the work, and therefore could not increase our pace. It seemed to me
that I was shod with lead, my feet felt so heavy.

"Run, run, run!" yelled the inspector, endeavoring to urge the horses
towards us; but the brutes resisted with all their might, and he was
obliged to relinquish the attempt.

I again looked over my shoulder, and saw that we did not increase the
distance between us and our loathsome foes, but I felt a little hope at
the thought of their not gaining on us. Ten rods more, and we should he
within range of the inspector's revolver, and perhaps he could check the
snakes' pursuit.

Even while these thoughts passed through my brain, I saw one of the most
active of our pursuers suddenly stop, raise one half of his long body
from the ground, in an upright direction, and then spring forward, at
least twenty feet, and far in advance of his competitors. Two more such
springs, and we would be enfolded in his embrace. Again he raised his
black, shining form, and was about to repeat the attempt, when we heard
the sharp crack of Mr. Brown's revolver.

To my joy, I saw that the inspector's aim was true, for the reptile,
just as he was about to repeat his spring, was struck by the ball, and
rolled over and over, lashing the ground with his tail, and causing his
companions to suddenly stop, as though desirous of seeing what the
matter was.

It is very certain that Fred and myself did not stop to learn what
conclusion the snakes came to; in less than a minute after the shot was
fired, we were beside our horses and mounted.

"Well, of all the fellows for getting into scrapes, you two are the
worst!" cried the inspector, with an air of vexation; "didn't you know
that those cussed black devils could run faster than a man?"

"This is the first that we ever heard about it," rejoined Fred,
completely at his ease.

"Well, now that I have told you, let us be getting clear of the clan,
for there is no knowing how soon the varmints may recommence another
pursuit," and the inspector turned his horse's head, as though he was
determined to remain no longer in such a dangerous neighborhood.

"Don't be in such a hurry," said Fred; "we have an inclinatio