Harry was frightened so that he could hardly utter a word, and after some exertion he disentangled himself and gazed on the immense serpent. When he had recovered partially he was too much excited to proceed, and they returned to the camp with a story of the attack and the noble rescue on the part of John.
George's excitement was at fever heat. "We must get his skin." Harry was willing, because a trophy of that kind was worth preserving. The team was taken along, as it was fully a half mile from the camp. When the Professor saw the serpent he congratulated Harry on his escape, who, but for the fortunate presence of John, would have been killed.
It measured twenty-two feet in length and its greatest diameter was eight inches.
"What is this—the boa constrictor?"
"It belongs to the same family, but is known as the anaconda."
"What is the difference between the boa constrictor and the python?"
"The boas are the species found in the western hemisphere, whereas the pythons inhabit the eastern countries. The anaconda is a native of Brazil and some of the other South American countries. They are non-poisonous, and depend for securing prey on their wonderful swiftness and in the tremendous power which they exert when the victims are in their grasp."
As usual, George had been prospecting also, and when the skin had been removed and the excitement died away, he exhibited a peculiar fruit. It was the shape and size of a pear, but had a peculiar kidney-shaped pendant at its large end.
The Professor smiled when he saw it. "You have the fruit of the Anacardium, or cashew tree. That is, it is a combined fruit and nut."