Up through this and through the fallen roof there grew a high palm tree.
Partly wound around the trunk of this were a part of the snake’s coils.
The other part of the snake’s body was wound about Pomp, and the darky was seen to be unconscious, and for aught his agonized friends knew, dead.
The monster anaconda’s head was erect, and its forked tongue was darting from its mouth as it faced the new-comers angrily.
Frank Reade, Jr., saw that if Pomp was to be saved, quick work must be made.
With a long drawn breath the young inventor sprang forward, crying:
“Aim at his head, friends. Work quickly, for I fear Pomp is dead.”
But no further adjuration was needed.
The others did work quickly.
Barney raised his rifle and took aim at the monster’s head.