"From your examination I judge our only hope is to reach the river and travel down its banks?"
"Yes; because we don't want any more of the forest with the team."
"Before we go, let us take off the hoop; I want to use it again." And Harry unwrapped the thongs and disengaged it from the tree.
After luncheon the marching was resumed, this time due west to the river. The trip during the day told on Jack, and a halt, was called before they had gone five miles. Harry and John took their guns and started south on a tour of investigation, making their way toward a slight elevation which he had noticed from the observation point.
It was really a hill, covered with trees, and gave the appearance, from the tree top, as being a continuation of the forest range. This was good news to carry back. While passing through the tallest of the trees, Harry, who was ahead, felt himself suddenly grasped, and he uttered a scream.
John rushed forward just as Harry saw the repulsive form of a huge snake which had wound itself around him. Harry was absolutely helpless in the folds of the serpent. John's quick eye took in the situation at once, and by the time he reached Harry the bolo was in his hand and poised. With a single stroke the body of the snake was severed above the last coil, and the portion suspended from the tree fell alongside of the combatants, and John's hands reached out to assist Harry.
