He dropped the book, sprang to his feet with a quickness that matched the snake's, and instinctively drew his sword.

Stepping a little to one side as the reptile launched itself at him, he dexterously cut it in two with a sweeping stroke.

A shout of applause rose from the excited boys, who gathered around to inspect the slain serpent and congratulate the Captain upon his skillful disposition of his assailant.
"O, that's only my old bat-stroke that used to worry the boys in town-hall so much," said the Captain carelessly.

"It's queer what things turn out useful to a man, and when he least expects them." A long, ringing yell from a thousand throats cleft the air, and with its last notes came the rattle of musketry from the brow of the hill across the little ravine.

The bullets sang viciously overhead.