THE RETREAT. 
31 
betwixt these towers was embellished with a project- 
ing parapet corresponding with the pinnacled bases of 
the towers. Beneath this was a gloomy arcade, from 
which were numerous entrances into the building. 
The whole exterior was covered with the same mate- 
rial as that used in the structure already described, 
but of finer quality, presenting a clear, hard, and 
beautiful surface. 
The deserter, who had with a few lengths of split 
bamboo, which he had tied together to serve the pur- 
pose of a broom, swept the apartment selected by 
him for his temporary abode, threw his rug in the 
corner, and prepared to compose himself to sleep. 
He was still extremely weak, and though his com- 
plaint had considerably remitted, it continued to 
cause him much distress. The fire which he had 
kindled, to his sore vexation and annoyance, drew 
several scorpions and centipedes from their holes, and 
he was occupied for some time in slaughtering these 
insidious enemies before he could venture to lie down 
to rest in security. After having refreshed himself 
with a few hours 5 sleep, he threw off his rug, when 
he found a cobra de capella snake coiled up close to 
his breast, attracted no doubt by the warmth ; it had 
glided into its new retreat while he was asleep, and 
remained there, fortunately without being disturbed 
by the movements of the sleeper. It now lifted its 
sleek dark head, its bright eyes sparkling like two 
diamonds, and passing its tongue between its lips 
glided over the soldier’s body into a corner of the 
apartment, whither he pursued and despatched it with 
a small native cimetar. 
