The two boys went on in a semi-circle. When the big tree mentioned was reached Jerry stepped on what he supposed was one of the twisted roots.
A second later he let out a yell which was heard down to the landing.
He sprang back so suddenly that he bumped into Harry, who was close behind, and both rolled over in the wet grass.
Ere they could rise they heard an angry hiss, and a snake darted from the tree and settled directly upon Jerry’s body!
For a moment Jerry was too paralyzed with fear to move or speak. Then as he recovered he threw off the snake and rolled away, over Harry and close to the boggy spot. Harry also turned away, but came up against a heavy mass of brush.
The snake hissed angrily. The pressure of Jerry’s foot on its head had just been sufficient to arouse its anger. It meant to strike if it could.
“Hit it with your gun!” shouted Harry.
“You hit it!” cried our hero. “Oh!”
The snake was again coming on, its long, green body quivering in the spots of sunlight which shot under the trees. There was no doubt but what it intended to fight the intruders. More than likely it had a nest of young near.
Bang!