Page:Young Hunters in Porto Rico.djvu/119

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"!"

"Kill it, somebody!"

"Bun, before it strikes you!"

Such were some of the cries which rang out, as all started to secure places of comparative safety.

Then a pistol shot rang out. The report came from old Jacob's weapon, but the bullet passed over the serpent's head.

By this time all had crowded to the edge of the little opening.

Behind them was a series of jagged rocks, the climbing of which would be no easy task. In front was a cliff overlooking the valley, and on one side were heavy bushes.

The only escape, therefore, lay to their left. But here was where the snake had located itself, as if to make them prisoners.

"We're in a pickle," groaned Dick, as he drew his own pistol. Bang! went the weapon, and the bullet clipped the reptile's tail.

The wound enraged the serpent, and it