AN UNPLEASANT BEDFELLOW. 341 



Although the lad was not aware that he had stirred, there must have been a 

 slight, involuntary twitching of his legs which disturbed the cobra, and caused him 

 to raise his head threateningly. This species is easily alarmed, and the least move* 

 ment on the part of the boy would have brought the fangs into some part of his 

 body with the quickness of the lightning's flash. 



Dick knew better than to stir, but all the same something must be done! 



He could not lie still for hours with that horrible thing coiled at his feet, and 

 holding itself ready to strike. Human nature was unequal to the fearful test, 

 especially when the truth was also apparent, that if he were able to remain motion- 

 less until daylight, there was no certainty that that would bring safety. 



Dick's first thought was that, without stirring a muscle, he would call the name 

 of Mr. Godkin; but he dared not do so, through fear that the sound would irritate 

 the cobra to the point of striking, while, if his friend was a little tardy in grasping 

 the situation, he might by some indiscretion bring the blow upon himself. 



"No; I've got to manage the snake myself," was Dick's conclusion, " and I 

 with some one would tell me what to do, for I'm sure I don't know." 



