The next day the boy slept soundly in the village nearby, and when he awoke it was already daylight. "Darn! Rats!" he said to himself, "I missed seeing the snake." Feeling sullen, the boy ate his breakfast. Then as quick as he could he walked to the cave where the temple was and where the snake lived and asked Sammy the monk if he had seen the snake.

"Oh, yes," said Sammy, "At 4:00 I cleaned the temple, and walked very quietly around the big python, 12 feet long, stretched out to sleep on my temple floor. I even touched his back - and how sharp are his scales!

The boy forgot his guilt and disappointment from sleeping in too late to have an adventure. He wanted so badly to see this snake NOW so he asked again,
"How may I see this famous snake, Sammy the monk?" The monk answered, simply, "if you cannot wake up in time then come, and sleep tonight in the temple." The monk's brown eyes widened, and in them was a spark of light. He continued, staring the boy straight in the eyes." Then you are sure to see him. Another monk and I will be here, too. I think we shall be safe," he said and then giggled, teasing the boy with his smile.

Sammy and the old monk in front of the cave

Now the boy just stood there, frozen in his boots. He sure wanted to see the snake but he wasn't sure he had enough courage to stay IN the cave, in the pitch black. Would he even sleep a wink? Or would he stay awake all night long, staring at the place where the snakes came out of their hole, searching with his squinting eyes for any movement signaling: the snake is here! Right in front of you! So the boy thought and thought, still frozen in his boots.

A few minutes later the boy was able to move his legs again, the fright passing. Courage rising up into his body. "He could do it," the stronger part of him spoke, "and I will do it." He was decided. He was bent on staying the night, and seeing the snakes — no matter what!

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