SNAKES 227 



denly became very lively — always a sure sign 

 of hunger. 



"Much delighted at these signs, his keeper 

 at once looked for suitable food for him, and 

 procured a young razor-backed pig. As a 

 general rule, most animals, when put in with 

 snakes are rendered helpless by fear. They 

 appear paralyzed by a strange fascination, 

 and, instead of making the slightest resistance 

 or attempt to get away, stay on the very spot 

 where they are thrown until the snake kills 

 them with a bite, or thrusts them into their 

 tomb by swallowing them. 



"But this little razor-back was made of 

 different stuff, and was neither fascinated nor 

 helpless from fear. The moment he entered 

 the cage it was evident that he meant to have 

 a good fight for it no matter what happened. 

 He gave the python no time to strike, but tak- 

 ing time by the forelock, ran up to the huge 

 snake, screaming shrilly at the top of his 

 voice, and fastened his sturdy tusks firmly in 

 the back of the snake's neck. 



"He squealed no more after this but at- 



