He was surprised to hear a swish, followed by a dull blow on the ground.

Raising his head, he looked forward.

He saw the hunter wipe his tomahawk on the grass.
"Snake," whispered Wetzel.
Joe saw a huge blacksnake squirming in the grass.

Its head had been severed.

He caught glimpses of other snakes gliding away, and glossy round moles darting into their holes.