“This is going to prove a lovely place,” said Oliver eagerly.
“Ah! Too late. Did you see it?”
For a bird had suddenly hopped into view over the top of a bush, and, before the young naturalist could bring his gun to bear, darted out of sight among the foliage, giving those who saw it the impression of a vivid flash of fiery scarlet passing rapidly before their eyes.
“You’re all right now,” said Panton. “There are plenty of birds.”
“Yes, and so are you two,” replied Oliver. “Look at the rocks and trees.”
“Hi! Gents, look out,” cried the sailor. “Here we are.”
The gun-locks clicked as the man started back after pointing before him at the narrow opening in the rocks, and upon Oliver carefully advancing, there lay just visible some dozen feet within the gloomy rift, about ten or a dozen inches of a serpent’s tail, the reptile having taken refuge in the cavernous place.
“Here’s one of them evidently,” said Oliver, holding his gun ready.
“Yes, sir, tail end of him.”
Oliver laughed.