A snake is mostly a poisonous creature, and his instinct told him to protect his mistress.

Where is he?
Joe, Joe!" I would not move till Miss Laura came and spoke to me.

"Dear old dog," she whispered, "You knew the snake was there all the time, didn't you ?" Her words made me feel better, and I followed her to the dining room, where Mr.Wood made me sit beside him and eat scraps from his hand all through the meal.
Mr.Maxwell had got over his ill humor, and was chatting in a lively way.

"Good Joe," he said, "I was cross to you, and I beg your pardon It always riles me to have any of my pets injured.

You didn't know my poor snake was only after something to eat.