seven in the morning
I expected that the boa , before swallowing his prey , would cover it with saliva , to aid in the operation , although it struck me that its very slender forked tongue was about the worst possible implement for such a purpose . It was evident to us , however , that this popular idea was erroneous . The act of lubricating the mass must have taken place during the process of swallowing ; certainly nothing was applied beforehand . This wonderful performance lasted from seven in the morning until noon . When the awkward morsel was entirely swallowed , the serpent lay stiff , distorted , and apparently insensible along the edge of the marsh . I felt that now or never was the moment for attack ! Calling on my sons to maintain their courage and presence of mind , I left our retreat with a feeling of joyous emotion quite new to me , and approached with rapid steps and levelled gun , the outstretched form of the serpent .