A few shots into that writhing mass would take a terrible toll. In a sense, it would take revenge for Casson’s injury. His finger itched to pull the trigger.
But he restrained himself. It would be well to let well enough alone. They were lazy and somnolent, scarcely aware of his presence. Why provoke a conflict which he might avoid?
Besides, cartridges were precious, and he must conserve them.
So, with a sigh, he restrained the impulse and, edging his way to the right, he made a wide circle about the nest of snakes, watching the ground carefully, lest one of the monsters should cross his path.
But it was from above that danger came.
A dark, sinister, rope-like body slithered silently from a tree above Bomba’s head.
The next instant what seemed a band of iron tightened about the boy’s chest!
CHAPTER XVII
IN THE FOLDS OF A BOA CONSTRICTOR
A thrill of terror ran through Bomba.
He knew in an instant what had happened. A great boa, lying in wait for whatever living thing might pass beneath the tree, had darted down upon him. The coils of the great snake were tightening upon him inexorably.