EXPEDITION TO SURINAM. 



had not the leaft inclination, from the uncommon iize of 

 the creature, from my weaknefs, and the difficulty of get- 

 ting through the thicket, which feemed impenetrable to 

 the water's edge; and therefore ordered all of them to 

 return on board. The negro then afked me liberty to 

 ftep forward and fhoot it himfelf, affuring me it could 

 not be at any great diftance, and warranting me againft 

 all danger. This declaration infpired me with fo much 

 pride and emulation, that I determined to take his firft 

 advice, and kill it myfelf ; provided he would point it out 

 to me, and be refponfible for the hazard, by flanding at 

 my fide, from which I fwore that if he dared to move, I 

 Ihould level the piece at himfelf, and blow out his own 

 brains. 



To this the negro cheerfully agreed ; and having loaded 

 my gun with a ball-cartridge, we proceeded ; David cut- 

 ting a path with a bill-hook, and a marine following, with 

 three more loaded firelocks to keep in readinefs. We had 

 not gone above twenty yards through mud and water, the 

 negro looking every way with an uncommon degree of 

 vivacity and attention ; when ftarting behind me, he called 

 out, " Me fee fnakee !" and in efFe61: there lay the animal, 

 rolled up under the fallen leaves and rubbifli of the trees ; 

 and fo well covered, that it was fome time before I dif- 

 tin6tly perceived the head of this monfter, diftant from 

 me not above fixteen feet, moving its forked tongue, 

 while its eyes, from their uncommon brightnefs, ap- 

 peared to emit fparks of fire. I now, refiing my piece 



Vol. I. Z 2 upon 



