intervals stealing behind him to prick him with straws through a rent in
the rear of his patched moleskins. Little Bill--in readiness to
run--standing off, enjoying the sport.

Inside the house sat Mother and Sal, sewing and talking of Maloney's
new baby.

"Dear me," said Mother; "it's the tiniest mite of a thing I ever saw;
why, bless me, anyone of y' at its age would have made three of--"

"MIND, Mother!" Sal shrieked, jumping up on the sofa. Mother screamed and
mounted the table. Both gasped for breath, and leaning cautiously over
peeped down at a big black snake which had glided in at the front door.
Then, pale and scared-looking, they stared across at each other.

The snake crawled over to the safe and drank up some milk which had been
spilt on the floor. Mother saw its full length and groaned. The snake
wriggled to the leg of the table.

"Look out!" cried Sal, gathering up her skirts and dancing about on
the sofa.

Mother squealed hysterically.

Joe appeared. He laughed.

"You wretch!" Mother yelled. "Run!--RUN, and fetch your father!"

Joe went and brought Jack.