dark. I had now to
look about for a place in which to pass the night. I wished to avoid
the vicinity of rattlesnakes as well as of bears and wolves. I selected
a dry bank near the river, and set to work to collect a quantity of long
grass which grew about, not only to form a mattress, but to protect me
from the cold and the dew of the night. The thick grass cut my hands
sadly as I plucked it, and laughed at the efforts of my axe to cut it
down. At length, however, I managed to cut and pluck enough for my
purpose, and piling it in an oblong heap, I burrowed under it longways,
keeping a bundle in my hands to serve as a pillow. I was surprised to
find how warm and comfortable I felt.

I was congratulating myself on this, and was just dozing off into sleep,
when I was roused up again by the dreadful sound of the rattlesnake's
tail. I started up to listen from which side the serpent was
approaching; for had I moved I might have run directly on it. A horror
seized me. It appeared as if I was surrounded by the creatures. On
every side of me there was the same noise. I began to fancy that I was
dreaming. I had never heard of so many rattlesnakes being found
together. Still I was sure that I was awake. There was the noise
again. It was quite close to me. I put out my hand and caught a
grasshopper, or rather a sort of locust. The sound of their wings
resembles very much that made by the rattlesnake when about to dart on
its prey. I was sure that was the noise I had heard. "There may be
thousands of them for what I care; they can't eat or sting me," I said
to myself; and then I went fast asleep.

I awoke very much refreshed, but so strongly had the thought of
rattlesnakes been impressed on my mind, that my first impulse on waking
was to look cautiously round to ascertain that none were near. Finding
that, as far as I could see, the coast was clear, I jumped up and shook
myself, then bathed my face in the river; and having said my prayers,
which I never failed to do, and returned thanks to Him who had hitherto
so mercifully preserved me, continued on my journey.

I was now anxious to get to the other bank of the river, which I was
convinced my companions had crossed by some ford higher up, and which I
had missed. In vain, however, I searched for one; the river, as I
advanced, grew wider and more rapid, as more streams poured into it; and
at length I came to the conclusion that I must either go back again till