CHAPTER FORTY FIVE.
THE SERPENT-EATER.
Jan's danger was imminent.

He was rushing impetuously forward upon the coiled serpent.

He knew not that it was before him.

No warning would reach him in time to stay his haste.

In another moment he would be on the narrow path, and then no power could save him from the deadly bite.
It would be impossible for him to leap aside or over the reptile, as the antelope had done; for even then Truey had noticed that the cobra had darted its long neck several feet upwards.