A cry of horror escaped from Cyril's lips. Then eagerly, passionately, he pleaded with the Captain to punish him in any other way he liked than that.
But to all and everything he urged the Captain had only one answer, Cyril must accept his offer, and then all would be well with him.
The boy, however, although greatly tempted to dissemble for a while and pretend to comply with the Captain's wishes until they reached a more civilised place where he might gain succour, remained firm.
So did the Captain. At the break of day he and the men breakfasted without giving one morsel of food to the boy. Then they made their preparations for leaving the place, which consisted mainly in packing up the best of the game and deer flesh.
When they were quite ready to start the Captain strode up to Cyril, asking if he had changed his mind.
"No, sir," answered the boy.
Then the Captain made two of his men lay Cyril down in a bunk and tie him to it securely.
The horrified boy, looking round nervously, perceived a snake at the foot of the bunk, and another larger reptile at one side of it.
Was he to be left exposed to their unwelcome embraces? Harmless they might be, but most unpleasant.
Vainly he begged and implored for mercy.