Curled easily about the main stem of the bush, close to which, upon a
forked limb, rested the sparrow's nest, its dark coils reaching
downward and its free neck and head waving regularly to and fro, was a
monstrous black-snake, and in its jaws fluttered feebly one of the
youthful sparrows. Evidently the seizure had just been made when the
boy burst in upon the scene. The snake's eyes glittered wickedly, and
it showed no disposition to drop its prey because of the intruder. It
only reared its head and swung slowly from side to side. Lying almost
at full length upon a branching limb of the same bush, and on a level
with the nest, was a second serpent, its head raised slightly, but
motionless, awaiting, it seemed, its opportunity to seize another of
the tender brood. The parent birds flew about in converging circles in
their strait, clamoring piteously and approaching dangerously near to
the jaws of their repulsive enemies. The boy but stood and screamed.
They were the greatest black-snakes he had ever seen. Then, all at
once, he became another creature. His childish voice changed in its
key, and, club in hand, screaming still louder, he ran right at the
bush. At the same moment his frightened mother came running down the
pathway, screaming also.

As the boy leaped downward, both snakes, with wonderful swiftness,
dropped to the ground and darted across the open space of a few yards,
toward the creek. Side by side, with crests erect, they glided, and
one of them still held between his jaws the unfortunate young sparrow.
The boy did not hesitate a moment. Still making a great noise, but
hoarsely for a creature of his age, he ran to head them off and barely
passed them as they touched the water. He leaped in ahead of them and
they were beside him in an instant. The water was up to his waist. He
plunged deeper recklessly. With a cry of rage he struck at the serpent
with the bird, and struck and struck again, blindly, still giving