A BOA ATTACKED. 
41 
has given of the transaction being interesting, we shall 
relate it nearly in his own words. As he was resting 
in his hammock, while the vessel in which he was, 
floated down the river, the sentinel told him that he 
had seen and challenged something black and moving 
in the brushwood on the beach, which gave no an- 
swer, but which from its size he concluded must be 
a man. The captain immediately manned the canoe 
which accompanied his vessel, and rowed on shore to 
ascertain what it was ; when, to his great surprise, 
one of his slaves declared it was no negro, but a large 
amphibious snake, and that he might shoot it if he 
pleased. To this, however, it seems Stedman had 
not the least inclination, and therefore ordered all of 
them to return on board. The negro then begged 
leave to step forward and shoot it himself, as he was 
certain it could not be far off, and assured his master 
that there would be no danger. 
f This declaration,’ says Captain Stedman, f inspired 
me with so much pride and emulation, that I deter- 
mined to take his first advice, and kill it myself, 
provided he would point it out to me, and be respon- 
sible for the hazard by standing at my side ; from 
which I swore, if he dared to move, I would level 
the piece at himself, and blow out his own brains. 
f To this the negro cheerfully agreed ; and having 
loaded my gun with a ball cartridge, we proceeded, 
David cutting a path with a bill-hook, and a marine 
following with three more loaded firelocks to keep in 
readiness. We had not gone more than twenty 
yards through mud and water, the negro looking 
every way with an uncommon degree of vivacity and 
e 3 
