“I’ve got something big now!” gasped Frank, holding on to the line with one hand and the canoe seat with the other.
“What is it?” questioned Mark, quickly.
“I don’t know, but it pulls like a whale.”
“Let me help you,” continued Mark, and dropped the paddle on the bottom of the canoe. Then both tried to haul in the line, but before they could do so there was a swish in the water and a big, black object appeared for a moment, a black object with a greenish head and sharp greenish eyes. At this both lads fell back in dismay.
“A water snake!” cried Mark. “And a big one, too. Better cut him loose.”
The canoe was now spinning up the stream, dragged by the snake who showed his head with the fishhook caught in one side close to the eye. That the reptile was angry and ready to fight there could be no doubt.
As quickly as he could Frank brought out his knife and sawed away at the line. As it parted the snake came up again, lifting his head into the canoe and hissing viciously. Then he glided along the side of the craft, bent upon attacking Frank.
Mark had his gun handy and quick as a flash he caught up the weapon. Bang! went the gun, and the water snake caught the charge full in the face. With a wild flapping he arose in the air, whipped his slimy body across Frank’s leg and sank out of sight into the river.
For the moment the boys gazed after the reptile in a horror that no words can express. Frank had sunk on the seat trembling in every joint and Mark was equally affected.
“Is he—he dead?” came at last from the younger youth.