The Snake and the Bell is a short story by Louis Becke, first published in 1898. It tells the story of a young man named John, who is living in a small village in the South Pacific. One day, he discovers a strange bell in the jungle, and when he rings it, a giant snake appears. The snake tells John that it is the guardian of a great treasure, and that if John can answer three riddles, he will be allowed to take the treasure. John is able to answer the riddles, and the snake grants him the treasure. John returns to his village with the treasure, and is able to use it to improve the lives of the villagers. The story is a parable about the power of knowledge and wisdom, and how it can be used to benefit others.
By Louis Becke · First published 1902 · Genre: Adventure Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance