SNAKES. 31 



from its movements, must be a snake, and, in all probability, 

 a deadly one. He dared not touch it with his fingers to 

 ascertain the fact, of which indeed there could be little doubt; 

 but knew that his only chance of safety consisted in his 

 remaining perfectly motionless, and allowing the reptile to 

 follow undisturbed the bent of its own inclinations. In this 

 instance, according to the man's account, when the snake 

 had crept up to his breast, it insinuated its slimy length be- 

 neath his military undress jacket, and curled itself up com- 

 fortably to repose. The sensations of the soldier, and one 

 whose nervous system had been previously weakened and 

 irritated by habitual intoxication, may be imagined were 

 not very agreeable ; particularly as he had to endure many 

 hours of this frightful torture and suspense before he could 

 expect to be released from his cruel position, and even then, 

 in all probability, at the expense of his life. Providence, 

 however, mercifully ordained it otherwise. When the term 

 of his imprisonment had expired, and the door of the cell was 

 rather suddenly opened, admitting the rays of light to enter, 

 the serpent glided from his bosom into an obscure corner. 

 The man rushed through the open door, presenting a de- 

 plorable picture of emaciation and terror ; his hair, which was 

 of a dark colour twenty-four hours previously, had turned 

 perfectly white, and he died in a very short time, although 

 he never tasted liquor afterwards. 



Upon the cell being carefully searched, a large cobra 

 capella was discovered and destroyed, which had, somehow or 

 other, managed to gain an entrance. 



In the course of several months, having gained a little 

 knowledge of marching and counter-marching, penetrated 

 the mysteries of the sword and musket exercises, and illus- 

 trated some of the elements of "Dundas," but, above all, 

 considerably improved in my shooting, by my own request 

 I was appointed to a regiment on field service, or rather 



