The rifle spoke sharply. Straight to its mark went the shell. The next moment as it exploded the air was full of shreds of snake flesh and flying dirt.
The shell had torn a hole in the python’s side, but had not destroyed the monster’s life.
Terribly enraged, the monster snake now seemed to forget its pain, and once more with mad fury charged down full tilt upon the Steam Man.
CHAPTER III.
THRILLING ADVENTURES.
The crisis had come.
Frank knew this, and that it would be either victory for one or the other. If the python should succeed in overturning the wagon, he might do great harm to the delicate machinery of the Steam Man.
But Frank did not intend that this should happen if he could help it.
He got one more shot at the reptile as it came on with a fearful rush.
Crack!
Once more the deadly elephant rifle spoke. This time an explosive shell tore its way through the snake’s side.