CHAPTER XVIII.
COFFEE FOR THREE.
The situation was one which demanded instant action.
The snake was a dangerous one, and very much aroused, and it might at any instant do Sam great harm.
The poor boy was speechless and motionless, for the reptile had caught his eye and held him as by a spell.
It was Tom who acted. Heedless of the danger, he leaped forward and aimed a kick at the snake's head.
The reptile was caught fairly and squarely, and the head went down with an angry hiss. Then Tom stepped upon it, but the snake squirmed loose and uttered another hiss, louder than before.
"Take him off! Take him off!" screamed Sam, now recovering his voice. "Don't let him bite me."
He would have caught the snake himself, and so would Tom, but the hands of both were still tied behind them.
