ALONE IN THE DESERT. 185

and, like some caterpillars, furnished with a kind
of protuberance at its tail, which, to a superficial
observer, may pass for another head. They are of
a reddish colour, and resemble a long sausage. The
Wall Snake climbs a wall with great agility, and is
small and spotted. The bite of all these serpents
is attended with great danger.”

By this incident of the split snake, I am reminded
of a similar peril and escape, mentioned in the
history of another of the Moravians. Lewis Dachne
was residing in Berbice, in a solitary hut, on the
borders of the Corentyn, a river shaded by immense
forests and bordered by extensive swamps, the lurk-
ing-places of wild beasts, serpents, and other noxious
creatures. For about two years this devoted mis-
sionary remained in this savage desert alone, un-
befriended and without companions. Yet he was
content and happy, fearless of evil, believing him-
self to be at the post of duty, and not only enjoying
the internal consciousness of the Divine favour,
but he experienced some remarkable deliverances
from imminent peril. One of them is thus related.
Being one evening attacked with a paroxysm of
fever, he felt himself compelled to retire to his hut
and lie down in his hammock. Just, however, as
he entered the door, he beheld a serpent in the act
of dropping down upon him from the roof. In the
scuffle which ensued the reptile bit him in two or