The horrid jaws opened and closed with a vicious snap and a frightful bellow rang out among the rocks.
CHAPTER IV.
CHARLEY IN CLOSE QUARTERS.
“Fire!” shouted Charley, and he instantly flung up his rifle and let fly at the huge, snake-like head, which was withdrawn instantly.
The bellowing was heard on the other side of the rocks for a moment and then all was still.
“What in thunder did you do that for?” Dick burst out. “Don’t you know the orders? On no account were we to kill the creature. By thunder, if you have killed it I am disgraced forever. I wouldn’t have had it happen so for a thousand dollars. How could you be such a fool?”
Poor Charley stood abashed.
It was a terrible thing to him to be so called down by Dick, but he had allowed his excitement to make him play the fool and he knew it.
“Dick, excuse me, please,” was all he said, and then he turned and walked away.
Dick was too angry for the moment to follow him or call him back. He had more to say about it and he spat it right out before Doctor Dan.
“Softly, softly, sir,” replied the half-breed. “Don’t be too hard on Mr. Charley. He was excited and acted before he had time to think; besides, I don’t think he hit the head or the neck either. Come, we’ll see.”