They found the snake coiled up on the body of a small doe he had caught. The Indians immediately ran away. But Mr. Ralston was not in the least afraid, and, boldly approaching, tried to put a bag over the python's head.
The reptile avoided the bag, and struck at him, catching its fangs in his coat, and in a moment had twisted its tail around him, and was crushing him to death in its horrid folds.
He shouted for help, but the Indians were at first too scared to come to his aid. At last one ventured near, and laid hold of the serpent's tail; and the others helping, they succeeded in unwinding the reptile and getting Mr. Ralston out of its clutches. He was more dead than alive, but even then would not give up the chase. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered they started after the python once more. And two of the Indians managing to engage the creature's attention, Mr. Ralston slipped the bag over its head, and it was caught.
It struggled desperately for a long time, frightening the whole party nearly out of their wits lest it should get away. But at last they had it safe; and binding it tightly they carried it off.
BOOK REVIEWS.
Charles Scribner's Sons, Fifth Avenue, New York, have sent us one of the most fascinating books to write to The Great Round World boys about.
Dan Beard's American Boy's Book of Sport.