Page:The Rover Boys at School.djvu/139

Rh "I haven't a thing but the bag of paper."

"Neither have I. Oh, what shall we do?"

"Perhaps we had better stay here until the others come up."

"Do you think the snake will keep quiet that long?" "I'm sure I don't know."

Very much disturbed, the two boys peered over the edge of the rock. They were not versed in the different species of reptiles, and knew not but that the one at hand might be poisonous.

"I see his tail!" cried Fred with a shiver. "He is moving around as if getting ready to come out."

"I wonder if I can grab him by the tail?" mused Sam.

"Grab him? Oh, Sam!"

"I've heard you can catch them by the tail, snap them, and make their heads fly right off."

"Gracious, I wouldn't attempt it!"

While Fred was speaking the tail of the snake came up on the side of the rock.

Setting his teeth, Sam bent down and made a clutch for the slippery thing, and caught it tight.

With a hiss the snake raised its head, its diamond-like eyes shining like twin stars.

"You'll be poisoned!" shrieked Fred, when,