He had great difficulty in doing so, for the whole country was in terror
of the snake, and no one wanted to take the risk of hunting him.

At last Mr. Ralston found men, and landed at the Key.

They found the snake coiled up on the body of a small doe he had caught.
The Indians immediately ran away. But Mr. Ralston was not in the least
afraid, and, boldly approaching, tried to put a bag over the python's
head.

[Illustration]

The reptile avoided the bag, and struck at him, catching its fangs in his
coat, and in a moment had twisted its tail around him, and was crushing
him to death in its horrid folds.

He shouted for help, but the Indians were at first too scared to come to
his aid. At last one ventured near, and laid hold of the serpent's tail;
and the others helping, they succeeded in unwinding the reptile and
getting Mr. Ralston out of its clutches. He was more dead than alive, but
even then would not give up the chase. As soon as he was sufficiently
recovered they started after the python once more. And two of the Indians
managing to engage the creature's attention, Mr. Ralston slipped the bag
over its head, and it was caught.

It struggled desperately for a long time, frightening the whole party
nearly out of their wits lest it should get away. But at last they had it
safe; and binding it tightly they carried it off.

G.H.R.