“It's not likely, Ned. The smoke would drive out any living creature.”
“I'm going to get a stick and poke into the log.”
Both boys procured sticks and began to poke at the log. Presently they felt something move and a half-dazed snake came into view.
“There's your animal, Ned!” exclaimed Joe.
“Oh, a snake! Keep him away!” roared Ned, badly frightened.
“He can't hurt you—he is too stiff from the cold,” answered our hero, and quickly dispatched the snake with a stone.
“Do you suppose there are any more in the tree?” asked the rich boy, still keeping at a distance.
“More than likely. I'll poke around with my stick and see.”
“Be careful!”
“I am not afraid.”