Our fears kept us for three long days in the Cave. The snake gave no
sign that could lead us to think it was still near, but the ducks and
geese had left the spot where their nests were, and this we knew to be
a bad sign. On the fourth day I went to the door, with a view to let
out some of the beasts to graze, for we were short of food for them.
The ass was just at my back, and as soon as it saw the light, made a
rush to get out. Off it went, straight to the sands, with its heels in
the air, but just as it got to the marsh we saw the boa glide out from
the reeds, part its wide jaws and make for its prey. The ass at once
saw
its foe, but stood still as if struck with fear, and in less time than
I take to tell it, our old friend was tight in the folds of the boa.

This was a sad sight for all of us, yet we could not take our eyes off
the snake, but saw it crush the poor beast, and then gorge its prey.
When it had put the whole of the ass out of sight, it lay down on the
sand quite still, as if it had gone to sleep or died.

"Now is the time to seal the fate of our foe," said I to Fritz; and
with that we went out with our guns. When we got near, we both took a
straight aim, and each put a ball in its head. This made it move with a
start, and writhe as if in pain.

"See how its eyes glare on us with rage. Now load your gun, and let us
put a bit more lead in him."

Our next shot went in his eyes. It then shook as with a strong spasm,
and fell dead on the sand.

A shout of joy brought my wife and the three boys to the spot. The