The serpent was apparently puzzled by this proceeding, and threw itself round a tree, hissing furiously as it menaced its assailant. Then sending a wave along the free part of its body to the tail, the Malay was driven flying on to his back amidst the canes. The retreat of the reptile was cut off, though, for this interruption gave the doctor time to come up with his little double fowling-piece, from which a quick shot sent the menacing, quivering head down upon the earth; and then going up, a second shot placed the writhing monster _hors de combat_. There was no little mirth in the camp as, faint and perspiring profusely, the doctor and his Malay boy came in, slowly dragging the long quivering body of the serpent, which the former at once set to work to skin before it should become offensive. Then the skin was laid raw side upwards, and dressed over with arsenical soap, a dose of which the Malay boy nearly succeeded in swallowing, being attracted by its pleasant aromatic odour. "Laugh away," said the doctor, "but I mean to have that skin set up and sent to the British Museum, presented by Doctor Bolter," he said importantly. "Well," said Captain Horton, "for my part I would rather encounter a fierce Malay than one of these writhing creatures. Take care of yourself, doctor, or you'll be constricted." "Yes," said Major Sandars, entering into the joke, "I'll give orders that every swollen serpent is to be bayonetted and opened if the doctor is missing." "Laugh away," said the doctor; "I don't mind." "That's right," said Captain Horton; "but for goodness' sake, man, wash your hands well before you come to dinner." "All right," said the doctor; and that evening, after dinner, he took the Malay boy into his confidence. "Look here," he said, "I want to shoot an Argus pheasant. There must be some about here." "Argus pheasant?" said the Malay boy, staring, and then shaking his head. "Yes, I heard one last night." Still the boy shook his head. He had never heard of such a bird. "Oh, yes, you know what I mean," said the doctor; "they keep in the shelter of the jungle, and are very rarely shot; but I must have one." The boy shook his head. "Don't I tell you I heard one last night, after we had camped down? It calls out _Coo-ai_." "No, no! no, no!" cried the boy; "_Coo-ow, Coo-ow_." "Yes, that's it," cried the doctor. "You know the bird." "Yes, know the big spot bird; all eyes," said the boy. "Sees all over himself; like a peacock. Hunter no shoot him, see too much far." "But I must shoot one," said the doctor. "Yes, you shoot one," said the boy. "I take you to-night." The doctor rubbed his hands and was delighted; and after the dinner, when the officers and chiefs were sitting smoking and sipping their coffee by the light of the stars, he rose and took his gun, for the Malay boy was waiting. "Off again, doctor?" cried the major.