t bounded high in the air
and then rolled over and over lying quite still after falling to the
earth. His career had been stopped instantly.

"I hope I can do as well," was Arnold's pleased comment.

"There's your chance," announced Harry. "See him?"

"Come here, rabbit," cried Arnold taking quick aim.

At his shot the rabbit bounded into the air, falling as had Harry's. But
instead of lying quietly where he had fallen the rabbit struggled and
ran limping away. It seemed impossible for him to go rapidly, however.
He managed to get away just too quickly to be caught. The boys hastened
after their quarry in an effort to end its struggles as much as to
secure the game.

Their chase led them to a low spot where rank grass was growing. The
dead stalks of the previous year's growth were fallen to the earth,
making a dense mat of dried stubble.

"Small chance of finding him in here, Harry," was Arnold's comment. "We
might as well give it up and go on back to the boat."

"I don't like to do that," protested Harry. "He might be right under
foot for all we know. Let's kick around a little. Why, what's this?" he
continued stooping to pick an object from the ground. The next moment
with a scream he jumped backward.

A great snake had lain directly under his feet but now was coiled in a
mass. Its tail was whirring angrily while the great triangular head
waved slowly from side to side.

Fascinated the boy stood as if rooted to the spot.

Arnold was in direct line with Harry between himself and the snake, so
dared not shoot. Harry's automatic had dropped from his nerveless
fingers at the first alarming whir of the vibrating rattles. Unable to
make a sound or move a muscle the lad stood entirely unnerved while the
great reptile prepared to strike.

Arnold fired two quick shots from his automatic, hoping to attract the
attention of the snake from its intended victim. His hope was not in
vain. At the sound the snake seemed to hesitate a moment as if undecided
what to do. Evidently its attention had been attracted from Harry.

Elated at his success, Arnold fired twice more, but this time the angry
buzzing recommenced. It seemed as if there was no hope whatever for the
lad who stood with the sweat now pouring from his face. To this day he
says that he can distinctly remember a little drop of sweat trickling
down his nose and pausing at the tip before it splashed to the earth. He
declares that it seemed a lifetime while he sto