26o THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



stepping forward again, I noticed my friend was standing stiff 

 and still. Then my eyes caught a glint of yellow, and a blackish 

 patch. Yes, it was a Black-necked Cobra or Imfezi {Naia 

 nigricollis) with forepart of body reared nearly two feet vertically, 

 and hood fully expanded. There it stood, rigid, except for a 

 slight, gentle movement from side to side. Its shiny black eyes 



Fig. io,-,. — A juvenile snake charmer with his collection 

 of pet Mole and House Snakes. 



were intently fixed upon my friend. Becoming alarmed for my 

 friend's safety, I hastened forward and killed the snake with my 

 staff. 



Glancing at the young man's face, I was amazed to observe that 

 it was fixed and set, the eyes staring rigidly in the direction of the 

 Cobra. 



I grasped his arm and shook him, whereupon a tremor ran 

 through his frame, and, with a gasp and a succession of deep sobs, 

 he collapsed and lay quite limp. 



