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Rh the look of a dead snake." And Allan carried off the dead reptile.

Mr. Lufton could not help wondering at the promptitude and skill of the blow, and at the light account Allan gave of it. He did not know much of snakes, and was suspicious of all the tribe, but he believed this to be a venomous one.

The expression of thankfulness that passed over Allan's face when he turned to Mr. Lufton shewed that the creature had been really considered dangerous by him.

"I mean to manage better when we return," he said in a low voice; "there must be no camping out in that journey, Mr. Lufton."

It was a hurried breakfast that the party took before starting, more with the idea of not carrying back or wasting the provisions Allan had fetched than from hunger, for they were all eager to reach their journey's end. Now in daylight the few miles seemed no distance at all, and as they went along they saw a great improvement in the appearance of the country. Both George and Jessie had come some distance on the road to meet them, and their welcome was as hearty as they could expect. Mr. Lufton was almost sorry that he had not kept Gundabook, now it looked so promising, and complimented Mr. Copeland on his success.