16 SNAKES IN SINDH. 



understood by them, and that was enough for 

 his purpose. 



Wlien on one of his sporting excursions in 

 Wynaud, he was told of an enormous Boa, or 

 Anaconda, which had been occasionally seen, 

 and was held in great terror by the natives, 

 but could obtain no certain intelligence of 

 its whereabouts. Being, however, one day in 

 pursuit of game, accompanied by a Shikaree, 

 and a very powerful and high-couraged dog, 

 the latter made a rush forward, and suddenly 

 he heard a whimper and choking noise. Cap- 

 tain Croker at once thought that his dog was in 

 the clutches of a Cheetah, and pushed on to his 

 assistance through the thick jungle, wherein he 

 got sight of a large object, in colour black and 

 orange, which he at first thought was a tiger, 

 but presently saw that it was a huge Boa con- 

 strictor coiled up. As he approached, the mon- 

 ster began to uncoil itself; presently its head 

 became revealed, and two diamond-like eyes 

 glared as the animal glided towards him. Cap- 

 tain Croker was a man of great nerve, and he 

 fired both barrels at the Boa's head — both balls 

 took efiect ; yet, though checked for an instant, 

 the snake came on more fiercely than before, 



