rass was not more
than three inches high. This spot was circular, about fifty paces in
diameter, and in the centre was a pool of bright water, some fifty
feet in circumference. The grass growing round this spot was tall and
luxuriant, and terminated as abruptly at the edge of the circle as if
a mower had passed along with his sharp scythe.

"Sneak, I never saw that before," said Joe, as they approached, while
yet some forty paces distant. "What does it mean?"

"You'll see presently," said his companion, grasping more firmly the
thick end of his rod, as if preparing to deal a blow. "When I was out
here this morning," he continued, "they were too thick for me, and I
had to make tracks."

"What were too thick for you?" asked Joe, with a singular anxiety, and
at the same time reining in his pony.

"Why, the _snakes_," said Sneak with much deliberation. "I was a-foot
then, and from the style in which they whizzed through the grass, I
was afraid too many might git on me at a time and choke me to death.
But now I'm ready for 'em; they can't git us if we manage korect."

"I won't go!" said Joe.

"Dod, they ain't pisen!" said Sneak; "they're nearly all _black
racers_, and they don't bite. Come on, don't be such a tarnation
coward; the rattlesnakes, and copper-heads, and wipers, won't run
after us; and if they was to, they couldn't reach up to our legs. This
is a glorious day for _snaking_--come on, Joe!"

Joe followed at a very slow and cautious pace a few steps farther, and
then halted again.

"What're you stopping for agin?" asked Sneak.

"Sneak, the pony ain't tall enough!"

"That's all the better," replied Sneak; "you can whack 'em easier as
they run--and then they can't see you as fur as they kin me. I'll swap
hosses with you."

"No you won't!" replied Joe, whipping forward again. But he had not
advanced many seconds before he drew up once more. This time he was
attracted by the unaccountable motions of the fawn, a short distance
ahead. That animal was apparently striking some object on the ground
with its feet, and ever and anon springing violently to one side or
the other. Its hair stood erect on its back, and it assumed a most
ferocious aspect. Now it would run back toward the men a moment, and,
wheeling suddenly, again leap upon the foe, when its feet could be
heard to strike against the ground; then it plunged forward, and after
making a spring beyond, would return to the attach.

"Here, Ringwood! Jowle