Emily put the basket down on the floor.
She began to untie the strings as Gytha continued her letter,
– and I do hope, Cousin Bertha, that you will be able to come to Grandpapa’s funeral and that we shall meet again.
I remain,
Your affectionate cousin,
Gytha.
As she signed her name, Emily opened the basket.
Then she gave a scream of horror.
“Miss – Gytha! Miss – Gytha!” she yelled.
Gytha looked up quickly.
The basket was open, the lid lying back.
She could see curled up in the centre of it something alive and dark.
Then, as she stared, Emily gave another scream.
Scrambling up in an armchair, she stood trembling, holding her skirts round her.
It was a snake, which Gytha recognised as a large poisonous adder.
It slid from the basket onto the carpet.
It moved hi
