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The family is playing outside and they see a snake. The father/husband has been away for the last 6 months working as a drover. The wife/mother has a lot to do and is trying to keep her family alive.
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As the family are playing outside, one of the children spots a snake and start yelling at the mother. The mother runs from the kitchen, picks up the baby and grabs a stick. the snake moves of into the wood-heap, then under the house. The mother and son tommy stay up all night searching for the snake and thinking about the husband.
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Alligator, the pet dog, finds the snake under the house and tries to pull it out. He has had encounters with snakes before but the family is scared that one day the snake could get him. The young boy hears what is happening and tries to get out of bed but the mother makes him go back. The mother then whacks the snake to break its back in several places and crushes its head.
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The mother uses her stick to pick the snake up and put it in the fire. They all watch along as the snake burns. They are all very thankful for Alligator. Tommy then says "Mother I wont never go drovin, blast me if I do" This shows that he cares for his mother and doesn't want to leave.