“Haven’t I!” said Wally, indignantly. “Why, I’ve shelled peas until my brain reeled! And I believe it’s hotter to be inside on a day like this than out in the paddocks, so you needn’t be superior, James.” He stretched himself, letting one brown hand fall on the railing of the verandah. “I don’t think——”
He broke off suddenly, twisted himself off the lounge, and was on his feet with one quick movement. Jim’s stock whip dangled from the arm of his chair; Wally snatched it and struck furiously at a lithe form that slid off the railing with a sinuous wriggle, and fell to the ground beneath. The boy vaulted over the trellis as it fell, and thrashed violently among the nasturtiums below. It was all done so quickly that the others were scarcely on their feet before he hooked the still writhing body of a black snake out of the creepers, and tossed it out on to the lawn.
“You didn’t lose much time, young Wally!” said Jim, approvingly. “Fancy that brute getting up here! Lucky you spotted him.”
“ ’M,” said Wally. Something in his tone made Norah swing round sharply.
“Wally! He didn’t bite you?”
“He did then,” said Wally. Something of the colour had died out of his tanned face, but his voice was steady.
“Old man!” said Jim. Then he shut his lips tightly, and dived into his pocket for his knife.
Wally took the verandah steps in one stride, and was beside him.
“I’ll do the chopping,” he said. “Lend me that, old chap. Is it sharp?”
Jim nodded.