They were equally in peril; and one or the other--perhaps both--would have fallen a sacrifice to the deadly cobra; but at that moment their saviour was nigh.

A dark shadow passed under their eyes--in their ears was a rushing sound like the "whish" of a falling body--and at the same instant a large bird darted down between them! It did not stay to alight.

For a moment its strong broad wings agitated the air in their faces; but the next moment the bird made a sudden effort, and rose vertically upwards.
Truey's eyes fell upon the ground.

The cobra was no longer there.
With an exclamation of joy she sprang forward, and, throwing her arms around Jan, cried out,-- "We are saved, brother!--we are saved!" Jan was somewhat bewildered.

As yet he had seen no snake.