McGlory had something at the end of his tongue, and Carl was all agog with a desire to talk, but Matt silenced each of them with a look.
"Where's the cobra, Dhondaram?" asked Matt. "I'd like to see you juggle with the snake again."
The Hindoo smiled and showed his white teeth.
"Maskee!" he exclaimed, "that is my sorrow. My little snake is gone. Now that I am taking care of elephants, sahib, I have not the time to charm serpents. I sold the cobra an hour ago."
"Sufferin' tarantulas!" murmured McGlory. "What fool would want to buy a thing like that?"
"The cobra, sahib," said the Hindoo, turning to the cowboy, "is a curiosity. Many feringhis like curiosities and pay for them. 'Tis well. I like the elephants better than the serpents."
"What did you do with the snake basket?" asked Matt.
"That must be sold with the cobra, sahib. What would the new owner do with the serpent unless he had the place to keep him? Dekke! He take the snake, also he take the basket. I throw in the basket, as you call—give it as boot."
With eyes narrowly watching Dhondaram's face, Matt produced the peg and tossed it on the red cloth.
"What did the new owner do," the king of the motor boys inquired, "without the peg to keep the basket shut?"