THE KING OF SOUTH AFRICAN SNAKES. = 207 
instantly to awake, whereupon it silently glides out of sight 
among the fohage. 
On these occasions if you happen to be between the reptile 
and its retreat, the chances are you will be bitten. The snake 
gives you no time to think. The thinking and acting must be 
simultaneous. A sudden uncoiling, a blur, and next instant the 
smart of the venom is felt in face, arms, or legs. An impotent 
struggle of the will against the subtle, paralyzing power of the 
venom, then the cold chills of death are felt stealing through the 
frame, followed by oblivion and death. 
A FAITHFUL Doc. 
Near the Tugela River, a Zulu girl was once busy with her duties 
of rolling up the sleeping mats and brushing out the hut which 
was the usual circular grass structure, when, to her horror, a large 
Black Mamba dropped out of the thatch on to the floor. The 
girl screamed and crouched in a corner, the snake being between 
her and the small door. Just at that critical instant her pet dog 
rushed in through the doorway, and, seeing the Mamba advancing 
upon the girl, he instantly tackled it. The Mamba rained blow 
after blow upon the dog, who grimly held the snake between his 
jaws. In a minute or two the venom began to exert its well- 
known deadly effects. The faithful dog staggered and collapsed, 
but, with a last expiring effort, he so effectually mangled the 
snake that it was powerless to escape or attack the girl, who 
slipped past it and escaped. 
THE KING OF SOUTH AFRICAN SNAKES. 
Many and varied are the stories told of the terrible Mambas. 
Sitting within the cheerful glow of camp fires, after a day’s tough 
riding and climbing, I have passed many a happy hour listening 
to thrilling, if legendary tales, of the evil powers and fierce 
aggressiveness of the Mamba. I think there is no happier 
life than to live for months at a time away from all the 
cares, bickerings, conventionalities, and empty vanity with 
which town life is so permeated, and with a companion or 
two, a favourite horse, a few affectionate and devoted dogs, 
