If these directions
were instantly and thoroughly carried out, Mr. Hardy had little
fear that the bite, even of the deadliest snake, would prove fatal.
In addition he ordered that in case of their being near home they
should, upon their arrival, be made to drink raw spirits until they
could not stand, and that, if they were some distance away from
home, and were together, the one bitten should lie down while the
other galloped at full speed to take back a bottle of brandy, and
order assistance to be sent. This remedy is well known throughout
India. Any one bitten by a poisonous snake is made to drink
spirits, which he is able to do without being affected by them, to
an extraordinary extent; a man who at ordinary times could scarcely
take a strong tumbler of spirits and water, being able, when
bitten, to drink a bottle of pure brandy without being in the least
affected by it. When the spirit does at last begin to take effect,
and the patient shows signs of drunkenness, he is considered to be
safe, the poison of the spirit having overcome the poison of the
snake.
CHAPTER IX.
NEIGHBORLY VISITS AND ADVICE.
It must not be supposed that the Hardys, during the whole of this
time, were leading a perfectly solitary life. Upon the contrary,
they had a great deal of sociable companionship.
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