The Celt looked at the dormant serpent a moment, and then swung his ax aloft, saying:
“Shure, an’ it’s wid yez I am, Misther Frank. Say the worrud an’ I’ll go up on this side of him an’ cut his head off.”
“Let me take your ax,” said Frank, resolutely.
Barney complied and drew his knife. Frank made a motion for him to follow.
The serpent was quickly recovering from his stupor.
Frank saw that there was no time to lose, and at once made a bold attack. When near the monster’s head he rushed forward.
The serpent reared its horrible jaws and seemed about to strike Frank; but the young inventor struck first.
The keen blade of the ax swung around and took the serpent full in the jaw.
It was a telling blow.
It fairly sliced away a portion of the monster’s jaw and filled the water with blood. Again Frank swung the ax aloft.