The temporary diversion was sufficient,
however, to enable the stranger to grasp the situation as he came
through a clump of palmettos.
Swinging his rifle to his shoulder he fired, seemingly without taking
aim. His bullet sped true to the mark and severed the head of the now
thoroughly angered rattler. He was just in time, for already the muscles
of steel had started to launch the death dealing fangs.
It was not to be wondered at that Harry and Arnold should feel extremely
grateful to the stranger. As he approached they both stepped forward and
embarrassed him by the profuse thanks offered.
"Now, boys, don't say another word," he protested. "I like to kill them
varmints. It pleased me a heap to be able to he'p youall."
"But we feel that you saved Harry's life, just the same and we want you
to understand that we feel under deep obligations," Arnold insisted.
"Another moment and it would have been too late."
"Well, I guess it would," acknowledged the stranger. "That's a leetle
the biggest snake of that partic'lar kind I ever seen."
"He's big enough to be in a show," declared Harry.
"How'd you like his skin?" inquired their new found friend.
"No, thank you," protested Harry. "I've seen quite enough of him. I
couldn't enjoy that skin a bit. But you may have it."
"Thanks. Believe I'll just pull that hide off. I might be able to sell
it. Some feller'll be along from up No'th and buy it."
"Why, we're from up North," was Arnold's rejoinder.
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