The snake was between Frank and the cage door.
He knew that if those deadly folds were to close about him, there would be little likelihood of ever escaping alive.
The snake had acted with the rapidity of thought.
Frank had not even time to thrust another cartridge into the breech of his gun.
He started to run. For a few paces he made good time, but what is there on earth to equal the speed of an active python.
Swift as the wind the monster was upon him.
Frank felt its hot breath, and saw for a moment its glistening jaws open over him.
Instinctively he threw up one hand, and by chance his fingers clutched the monster’s throat.
Frank hung to this hold with a death-like grip. He felt the mighty coils closing about him, and then with the desperation of one facing certain death he clutched the hilt of his knife with his free hand.
With all his strength he slashed at the monster’s throat.