Mr. Holton suggested that they move on into the village to see if there was any evidence of recent human habitation.
Leaving the bearers at a little clearing to wait, the four Americans and Noko walked toward the grass huts, keeping on the alert for anything human or animal.
“Looks like it’s deserted, all right,” remarked Joe. “Not a soul anywhere.”
“What’s that?” cried Bob suddenly, stopping at once.
“What?” questioned his chum.
“Sounded like—— Come on, Joe. Let’s go around this hut and see what we can see.”
The youths left the naturalists and Noko and made their way to the other side of a large thatched house.
Then, horror stricken, they saw what had caused Bob to utter his sudden exclamation.
Coiled but a few scant feet away was a long black mamba, the most poisonous snake of Africa. It was eyeing the human invaders staringly, apparently with evil purpose.
For one awful moment the youths gazed in terrible fascination, unable to take their eyes from the hideous reptile. Then, sensing the need for flight, they turned to leave. But they hesitated.