The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1911-10-27

ives only expression OF his apprecla-
ton of their predicament. His study
of Oriental lore did not acquaint him
with the characteristics of the cobra
But the doctor was scientist, and
Britt was willing to take the informa-
ton on trust. 1t was a situation in
which he felt he could afford to dis
pense with experimental knowledge.
The thick, beautifully rounded snake.
ashen In color and sinuous OF move
ment, apparently was not alarmed by
the scramble Of the doctor and the de-
tective to the top of the chiffonier. nor
even by the swing of the divan under
the vigorous push OF Fitchs foot. 1t
lowered the heal 1t had lifted few
inches from the floor. and continued
its passage across the room; but
short. dry laugh from the sleuth evil
IDENTIFY angered 1t more than any louder
noises. 1t stopped midway of the
room, turning its head once more to-
ward the men on their narrow perch.
An involuntary SILVER ran through
Fitch. and even Britt felt a little un-
comfortable under the serpent's gilt
tering gaze. The creature coiled itself
in the center of the floor, its head lift
ed, and those beady eyes twinkling
furiously. Then began motion of the
head like that of a waterspout to
point at least knee-high of tall man.
The head bent forward slightly, and
the neck on both sides distended slow
ly until the loose flesh formed a sort of
hood behind and slightly above both
sides of the narrow, wicked forehead
of the serpent.
Look" cried Fitch. THAT is the
unmistakable sign of cobra the dead
ly hooded snake of India. 1t is like no
other member of the serpent family.
When you see that hood commence to
come out-don't wait to see the rest"
About how long do you think it will
stay there, doctor?" asked the detec-
tive.
Until 1t either gets us or forgets
u.s. answered the physician. The dis
tension of the skin about the neck in
that way means that the beast is an
cry. Once it is thoroughly aroused, 1t
never gives up until it strikes its vic
tim. or is killed-unless something
more startling happens to distract its
attention"
Rather looks as If we were trap
ped" Britt said.
Somewhat" rejoined Fitch We're
here to stay unless that reptile goes"
Can we kill 1t, do you Think" asked
the detective.
We might If we had a machine gun
have you got pistol"
Il brought one into the room" an
L.
but laid 1t on that table when l was
going through those drawers. Pretty
careless. eh?"
Fitch nodded. He was racking his
wits for some means Of escape which
meant. so far as he could see. meth
cd of killing the snake. 1t seemed use
less to expect help from outside the
house. The door between the hall and
the room in which they were was
closed. and before 1t hung portieres
heavy enough to muffie their loudest
shouts. Their only probable chance of
relief lay in the hope that the blue
coat would become sufficiently anxious
at their failure to return and would
enter the house in quest of them.
Even in that rather remote cont1n-
gency. however. 1t was far from GER
tain they could warn him before the
cobra could glide across the room and
strike him to death. No, they were
thrown utterly upon their own re-
sources. Britt agreed with the doctor
on that point as In low tones, so that
they might not further infiame the ser
pent, they discussed their situation.
10, fol
about this little sunshine being in the
ROOM" said Britt musingly Those
Oriental strong-armers probably fig
ured 1t out that one or both of us
would come here, and so they arranged
this pleasing little surprise party. |
think it is worthy place in the society
columns as one of the successes of the
season"
He made light of the danger because
that was his way when he was in a
particularly tight place; but he rea.
| lized the peril by this time as fully as
did the doctor. There was nothing hui
morous in the fact that all the time
they were held prisoners atop the chit
fonier by the gray death before them
the Hindoos were doubtless making the
most of the time thus gained for es
cape. True, he had asked that all the
ordinary avenues of escape from the
city be watched, and although he tool
1t for granted Chief Manning woult
carry out the request conscientiously
he was not at ali confident the mel
sent from the Central Office and from
the various precinct headquarter
would be proof against the adroitnes
Of Indian noblemen, adopts, and thugs
Moreover. it was as good as certain
that the Swami. the Prince, and thei
followers would not seek to fee tn
city by any ordinary route. Britt hin