“And look who the spy is!” added Ned.
There were shouts from the officers and men. Several of the latter had gotten their rifles and were edging about, trying to find an opening 17 through which they might fire at the serpent.
The man who had broken away from his captors rushed toward the end of the building where Ned, Bob and Jerry had last seen the reptile, which was now out of sight under some bunks.
“Don’t shoot him! Don’t shoot my pet! He is worth thousands of dollars!” cried the reputed spy.
And then, to the surprise and fear of all save the Motor Boys, who had an insight into the truth, the man fairly threw himself forward on the serpent, as a football player falls on the ball.
“Ah, I have you! I have you, my beauty!” cried the man. “You shall not get away from me again, and they sha’n’t shoot you, either!”