A SLIGHT AFFAlK WITH A COBEA. 139 



of the surrounding country, and getting some general 

 idea of its aspect. Leisurely they strolled along, 

 and several times rested, partly in mere indolence, 

 partly to contemplate the different views, or throw 

 a stone at a pea-fowl as it ran off into the thicker 

 underwood. On the whole they considered the 

 features of the country presented an appearance 

 decidedly gamey. 



In returning towards the pool in which they 

 intended to take their evening swim, Mackenzie had 

 out-paced his companions, and was walking some 

 distance ahead of them. Suddenly they saw him 

 stop and commence stamping hard with one foot, at 

 the same time calling to them hurriedly. 



They ran up. to him ; and Norman, who had a 

 stick in his hand, was preparing to attack a large 

 black cobra, which was twisted round Mackenzie's 

 left leg, when the latter exclaimed, " Never mind. 

 It's all right ; he's dead. Lucky I didn't tread on 

 him. further back." And, as he spoke, he raised his 

 right heel and showed the snake's head, quite 

 crushed, beneath it. 



" Are you sure you are not touched ? " they 

 anxiously inquired. " How was it ? " 



" Unwind him, and 111 tell you. It was a near 

 shave." 



Having uncoiled the venomous creature, which, 



