“Yum, yum!” said Ready. “Would you believe it! She’s the first one I ever saw who didn’t look like a snake-charmer.”
“She’s new at the business,” declared Frank.
Melba opened the case in which the snakes were kept. She took them out one by one and twined them about her arms, waist, and neck. She was very pale while she did it, and the boys could see that she trembled a little. No one guyed her. For once the irrepressible Ready was silent.
Bart Hodge had entered the tent and was near the platform.
Having handled the smaller snakes, Melba put them back in the case and prepared to take out the python. She was more agitated than ever.
Frank decided that the girl really was afraid of the snakes, and pitied her. The act was unpleasant to him, and he turned away.
Carefully the girl took out the python. The snake was a large one, and those near the stand fancied he seemed rather more active than the others. With care Melba handled the great snake, forcing a smile to her painted lips. The reptile coiled and moved its head.
All at once, without warning, Melba dropped to the platform in a dead faint. Women screamed and men shouted and pushed away.
Hodge was close to the platform, and he saw the girl had fallen on the snake in such a manner that the weight of her body was squeezing it. This was angering the snake.