Adders aren't so long as that.
No, no; don't throw at it.

Let's see what it's going to do." The reptile was crossing the track from a tuft of alders, and seemed to be about three feet long and unusually thick, while, as it reached the dense heath and rushes, interspersed with grey coral moss on that side, it disappeared for a few moments, and they thought it had gone; but directly after it reappeared, gliding over a rounded tuft of bog-moss, and continued its way.
"Why, it's going to that pool!" cried Dick.
"To drink," said Tom.

"No wonder.

Oh, I am hot and thirsty! Here, I could knock him over with a stone easily." "Let him alone," said Dick, who had become interested in the snake's movements.

"How would you like to be knocked over with a stone ?" "I'm not a snake," said Tom, grinning.
"Look!" cried Dick, as the reptile reached the edge of one of the many deep fen pools, whose amber-coloured water was so clear that the vegetation at the bottom could be seen plainly, and, lit up by the sunshine, seemed to be of a deep-golden hue across which every now and then some armoured beetle or tiny fish darted.
To the surprise of both, instead of the snake beginning to drink, it went right into the water, and, swimming easily and well, somewhat after the fashion of an eel, sent the water rippling and gleaming toward the sides.
"Look!" cried Tom.