THF. FRETFUL PORCUPINE. 



157 



* But if, with you pulling one way and the constrictor the other, the rope should 

 happen to break ? " suggested Dick Browncll. 



The Texan solemnly shook his head. 



M No snake is strong enough to break that rawhide : I had it made on purpose 

 for me by one of Mr. Barn urn's friends. After I once get it around the varmint, 

 kSU be there depend on that" 



"Yes and that would be the trouble, but to end this jest, of course we'll kill 

 the constrictor, for I always feel it my duty to extinguish such reptiles at every 

 opportunity." 



" Them's my sentiments," said Jack, so heartily that there could be no doubt of 

 hi sincerity. 



" MB SHOW SOMETHING." 



While this conversation was under way, Diedrick, the Hottentot, was busy ex- 

 amining all sides of the inclosure It will be remembered that the camp had been 

 left in his charge while the whites were absent with Pongo, and he did not seek to 

 throw off the responsibility with the return of his friends. 



It took some time to replace the stakes that had been removed from one portion 

 of the stockade, to make wider the door through which the zebras had been driven. 

 While Diednck was thus employed with several assistants, the mother showed such 

 a frantic desire to get out, that, but for her solicitude for her colt, she would have 

 galloped right over the natives ; but, since the young one declined to take such 

 risks, she finally huddled in the farther corner, where she stayed until all chance of 

 escape was gone. 



