Mike looked anything but satisfied, going about his task unwillingly; but the men came back from where they had scattered, laughing with one another now that the scare was at an end.
"He's making a poor beginning," said Harry, on seeing their man go peering about slowly in different directions amongst the tall grass and bushes.
"Mike doesn't like snakes," replied Phra, laughing.
"Well, who does?" cried Harry. "I hate them; and it was enough to scare anybody. I know I should have jumped away fast enough. I say, look there."
"What at?"
"There's the pot, in amongst those young bamboos. No, no; there, half in the water.—Found it?"
"No, sir. It's gone," replied the man.
"Nonsense; here it is. You didn't look in the right place."
Mike came towards them, looking very sour and disgusted, as he picked up the tin vessel.
"Reg'lar spoiled," he said, examining the pot and holding it out to show that there was a big dent on one side. "Won't hold water now."