In making the door for our Mabotsa house, I happened to leave a small hole at the corner below.

Early one morning a man came to call for some article I had promised.

I at once went to the door, and, it being dark, trod on a serpent.

The moment I felt the cold scaly skin twine round a part of my leg, my latent instinct was roused, and I jumped up higher than I ever did before or hope to do again, shaking the reptile off in the leap.

I probably trod on it near the head, and so prevented it biting me, but did not stop to examine.
Some of the serpents are particularly venomous.