The movement appeared to be intelligent, and directed toward his revolver, which glittered on the bank.

Amused at this evident return of his larcenious friend of the previous day, he lay perfectly still.

The movement and rustle continued, and it now seemed long and undulating.

Lance's eyes suddenly became set; he was intensely, keenly awake.

It was not a snake, but the hand of a human arm, half hidden in the moss, groping for the weapon.