An eleven foot python named Kuku, belonging to a travelling show has gotten out of its cage, and is missing.
"The Queen's teeth showed in a gleaming, contemptuous smile. "No danger. When they see Kuku outside they simply scoot away and buy bromides. There's a crick over between here and the river. That old scamp'd swap his skin any time for a drink of running water. I guess I'll find him there, all right."

A long obsolete tranquillizer.