great boa. 
84 
large amphibious snake, and that he might shoot 
it if he pleased. To this, however, it seems Sted- 
man 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 him- 
self, as he was certain it could not be far off, and 
assured his master that there was no danger. “ This 
declaration,” says the captain, “ inspired me with 
so much pride and emulation, that I determined to 
take his first advice and kill it myself ; provided he 
would point it out to me, and be responsible for 
the hazard, by standing at my side ; from which I 
swore that if he dared to move, I should level the 
piece at himself, and blow out his own brains. 
“ To this the negro cheerfully agreed, and hav- 
ing loaded my gun with a ball cartridge, we pro- 
ceeded ; 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 above 
twenty yards through mud and water, the negro 
looking every way with an uncommon degree of 
vivacity and attention, when, starting behind me 
he called out, ‘ Me see snakee !’ and in effect there 
lay the animal, rolled up under the fallen leaves 
and rubbish of the trees ; and so well covered, that 
it was some time before 1 distinctly perceived the 
head of this monster, distant from me not above 
sixteen feet, moving its forked tongue, while its 
eyes, from their uncommon brightness, appeared to 
emit sparks of fire. I now rested my piece upon 
a branch, for the purpose of taking a surer aim. 
