rida birds. Presently Perk heard a splash and knew the amphibian must
have reached its goal.

CHAPTER XXIII

A PUGNACIOUS RATTLER

In good time they reached the narrow point on the animal trail which
marked the scene of their adventure with the rattlesnake. Perk, wishing
to be prepared for anything that might greet them, had picked up a stout
cudgel with which he believed he could give a good account of himself
should the occasion arise.

But they passed the place and he was beginning to breathe easier when he
was thrilled by a brisk and ominous sound from just ahead. Instinctively
Perk clutched his chum by the arm and dragged him back a pace although
this was really unnecessary, since Jack had stopped walking at the same
instant as Perk.

"Gosh all hemlock!" broke out Perk, "what d'ye think o' that--jest
awaitin' round for us to come along--what a 'commodatin' little pet he
is!"

Jack could see the suggestive bulk of the coiled snake lying on the
path, with scant room on either side for them to pass--oozy depths of
the swamp on one side and an angry rattler on the other.

"Just blocks our game whichever way you choose to look at it," chuckled
Jack with a shrug. "If we were monkeys, we could shin up a tree and
climb over to that other one beyond, but since we're neither simians nor
fox squirrels, we'll have to settle this thing some other way. Drop that
club, brother--it's too short for this business by three feet. To try
and use it on that chap you'd have to step up within range of his spring
and before you could get in your lick it'd all be over."

"Jest as you say, partner," remarked Perk, throwing the stocky club
away. "Wait up for me, Jack, an' don't let him skin out till I get back.
I saw a stick just back a bit that ought to fill the bill okay."

Jack stood on guard and waited but not for long, since Perk speedily
rejoined him, carrying a pole about eight feet in length and stout in
proportion.

"Careful how you work it," advised Jack, who would rather have done the
job himself but knew he would not be allowed by the ambitious one.

As Perk slowly advanced, waving his pole, the coiled serpent displayed
signs of redoubled anger--louder buzzed his rattle while he drew back
his flat head as though in readiness for action.

"Hold it there, buddy!" snapped Jack. "Now get a firm grip on your pole
and draw back for a vicious rap--you've got to get him square in the
middle and follow it up with mor