Evening star., 1927-04-03

at an incline into large underground
holes, where hapless slaves were Inn
prisoned until death released them.
Yet, full Of the idea OF regaining my
rine, I tried to loosen my grasp on
the tree, but at first my cramped mus
cles refused TO respond. At length.
however, | felt myself sliding down.
wards, and presently my feet touched
ledge. But my strength was speuvI
1 found could not stand. reproacA.
cd myself bitterly for not lowering
myself before became so exhausted.
4
a GAIN and again tried to rise, bua
finally sank to my knees To my
ledge. Slowly and painfully groped
round. propped my back against the
side of the pit. and sat bolt upright.
with inky darkness all about me.
/ longed to stretch my aching limbs (
and lie down at full length. Dare I
try? First / put out my hand, still
keeping in touch with the wall; then,
very cautiously. thrust out my legs.
and was presently lying fiat on my
Bruce. and even the singing shower
Of stones that ratified Dawn as a result
seemed welcome.
endeavored, by peering about me.
to investigate my prison. but I could
neither see across 1t nor below. II
could only find a stone. however, and
send 1t hurting down. / felt I should
at least get an idea of the depths be-
meath me. Mentally I had already
said good-by to my twenty-seven-i
-shillings Express rife.
AT last l succeeded In dislodging a
small pebble. and, reaching toward the
abyss. lowered my hand preparatory
to dropping it. Suddenly something
cold and scaly to the touch caused ma
to withdraw my hand with violent
shuddeR. Only too we'll I knew that
touch! In the pit with me was some
big snake, whose slumbers I had dis
turbedl
There came a bIood-curdling hiss.
and then another. / pictured the rep.
tiles head swaying from side to side,
ready to strike at the instruderi
Leaves rustled softly, and I knew the
hideous creature was moving toward
me. A mamba, thought, black in all
probability, for the green species
chiefly inhablt the trees. Once he
struck. 10 seconds would see me writh-
ing In the grip Of death.
There was scurry. and a large
field rat took refuge between my body
and the pit wall. Evidently the snake
was after him; the agitated state Of
the rat bore unmistakable evidence to
this. Cropping about, l felt It's warm,
furry body. seized It. and 1t buried
its sharp. needle-like teeth in my f1n-
ger, but I was scarcely conscious Of
the pain.
In desperation flung it across the
pit and waited with bated breath.
There came more rustling of leaves,
two frightened little shrieks: then ali
| was still. Presently something like q
whip hit me across the face, and as
raised my hands TO protect myself, the
scaly tail of the reptile recoiled like
a lightning fash.
now hoped should be safe for q
time, for could hear the working OF
the snakes jaws as 1t set to work to
devour its midnight meal. To add to
| my discomfort, Bruce was now endeav-
oring to get down to me, and I knew
he would not remain alive long in the
| pit with a mamba as a companion.
called him every bad name 1 could
think Of, ordered him to go home, and
| finally succeeded in keeping him from
descending.
| Presently something else happened.
A light appeared on the opposite side
Of the pit. For a moment could not
realize what 1t was, until 1t grew grad
ually larger and comprehension
dawned upon me. 1t was the dear old
moon.
BY this time / was stiff all over.
| suffering from alterations OF cold and
heat. The moon climbed rapidly, and
| soon I was able to make out my sur
| roundings. / was not on ledge, as I
| had thought, but on the leaf-strewn
bottom of a disused shaft. My rife
lay not a foot from my hand, and
curled up near me lay the mamba, his
beady, glittering eyes looking steadily
into mine. Hs
Slowly I struggled to my feet, bleed
| ing, torn and lame, and. keeping a
watchful eye on the snake. picked up
my rife. After many attempts I
gained the top of the pit. leaving the
mamba unmolested. Once on safe
! ground again the delighted Bruce and
I had a good old-fashioned reunion;
| then by the aid of the friendly moon
I found the Kaff1r path. and In due
| course reached the kraal.
(CupyriRht. 1927