A wild region was encountered, wilder than even Barney and Pomp had seen in the heart of Africa.
They were at the moment near the verge of a mighty forest.
“Speaking of snakes,” cried Frank Reade, Jr., “Just look at that.”
All gazed in the direction indicated.
Hanging from the limb of a mighty forest monarch was a gigantic python or boa-constrictor.
In the monster’s folds was a small wood fawn. It had been crushed all to jelly by the powerful folds of the reptile.
It reared its head and recoiled as the Steam Man appeared on the scene.
But it did not show fear, or seem to care in the least for the machine. Indeed, it acted defiant and ready for battle.
Barney shrugged his shoulders and picked up his rifle.
“Begorra, I’d loike to spoil the appetite av ther baste,” he cried. “An’ it’s that same I’ll do.”