ppeared to us--that, instead of battling head to head--
face to face--the fangs of the `constrictor' were buried in the rattles
of the `crotalus!' Stranger still, the tail of the former rose and fell
with a muscular and powerful impetus, whipping the latter to death!

"The contest was soon ended. The rattlesnake lay stretched at full
length--evidently dead; while the black constrictor still continued to
hug the speckled body, as though it was an object to be loved. This
lasted for a moment or so; and then slowly unwinding himself, the
conqueror turned round, crawled head to head with his victim, and
proceeded to appropriate the prey. The `scene' was over, and we all
leaped to our feet to enact the _finale_. I should have spared the
constrictor, after the good service he had done in destroying the
rattlesnake; but Cudjo, who hated all sorts of creeping things, was
ahead of me; and, before I could come up, I beheld the victor suspended
upon his spear!"

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

THE SUGAR-TREE.

"In the evening, we returned to our house, carrying with us, on the back
of Pompo, a good-sized bag of salt. We had evaporated enough to cure
our venison, and to last us for several weeks to come. When it should
be used up, we knew where to go for more. There was no danger of the
spring going dry. We had noticed, previous to the discovery of the salt
creek, that the water of the lake was perceptibly brackish; but we had
never reflected on the cause. Doubtless, this fact had prevented us
from yearning--as we might otherwise have done--for the valuable
substance we had now obtained in such plenty.

"That night, after we had finished eating our supper, Harry, who had
been all the day burning with curiosity to know what was the important
discovery hinted at by his mother, now reminded her of her promise.

"`Come, now, mamma!' said he, in a challenging tone, `what is it?--What
have you found equal to that fine bag of salt, which you will all please
to remember is the fruit of my discovery?'

"`But did I promise to tell you to-night? I said when we should be in
low spirits, did I not? We are all happy now!'

"`Oh! you said to-night,' replied Harry. `Besides,' added he, trying to
look grave, `I _am_ in low spirits. I have been so all day--ever
since--ever since--'

"`Ever since you let the kettle against my shins, and went
skunk-hunting,' interrupted Frank, with a laugh, in which Cudjo joined
heartily.

"This a