The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-06-09

direction of any sound in it's vicinity. At this time it presented its most horrid aspect, as with cracking skin and clouded eyes it would at any un- usual noise lift its head, open it's wide jaws, showing the swollen poison gland above and behind the deadly down-curving fangs, and reach forth blindly in the endeavor to follow the sound to find an object to strike.
 had placed some stones in the box, and after awhile 1 observed the rep- tile when undisturbed had begun to spend much of its time gliding slowly back and forth between them, rub ping against them and against the side of the box.
 Presently I saw that the old skin had burst at the neck, and the snake ill new skin, fresh and bright in color, was working out ot the old one. It emerged by degrees, like grub from chrysalis, and in few hours was at liberty and it's eyes resumed their clearness. The reptile, apparently greatly relieved, was lying beside it's discarded cuticle, which preserved much of the shape of it's former wearer, and at nasty glance might be taken for another snake.
 The massasauga was destined to par ticipate in a new adventure more tragic than had attended that of Ethel. As l have said, it's box was in my sleeping room. On one September evening had gone to bed, and fallen asleep as usual. On the day previous 1 had drawn from the bank consid- erable sum of money which was then in my room. I was awakened little after midnight by some one stirring in the apartment, the door Of which 1 had locked on retiring.
 opened my eyes, and lay notion less in order to verify my impressions without indicating that I was awake, for thought 1 detected the untitled footballs of two persons; then some one cautiously crossed the room and leaned over my bed.
 I was surprised, defenseless, and knowing it to be of no use to stir, lay still with closed eyes, feigning sleep, as the flash of a dark lantern was thrown full on my face. remained perfectly quiet, and breathed easily and naturally. The man, after long look, was evidently satisfied of the genuineness of my slumber. He still stayed by me, but spoke in a whisper in thieves slang to his companion.
 "IIe's Ripping fast enough. Take the darkey and go ahead, and Tll pipe him."
 AS he spoke, I felt him lay heavy bar con, enient to his hand on the counter ane.
 could hear he other moving about, softly lifting and searching my clothes, opening drawers, and by the light of dark lantern examining every part of the room. Presently he turned and came back to the other.
 "Tve looked the room over and got the trinkets, but can't find the leather with the dust in. I'll try if there's anything under the pillow. If he moves, stop him." felt hand steal ing under my pillow, moving about stealthily, and my package of bank notes was presently found and with drawn. I could hear my gold repeater ticking from bag the bur- glar held in one hand as he bent for ward over me.
 "Pve got the stuff," he whispered, "I'll just take another look around the room. There's box here that looks like jewell
 He moved across the room, and came near the box which held the snake. Through my half-closed eyes saw him cast down the light from his lantern on the glass.
 "I can't make it out, Bill. There seems to be something in the case. can see the sparks inside, but I can't find any lock. Had best take the chances to bust her open?"
 The man beside me cook up the heavy bar he had laid on the edge of the bed, and I felt him boise it over my head.
 "Go ahead" he said. "If he wakes, Pll put him to sleep"
 could hear the man lay the bag on the floor, and then followed the quick cutting sound of diamond passing over the glass. Then came two or three quick taps and the fall of pane of glass into the box. The rattle of the massasauga was rustling danger ously within, and the sound quickened as the man put his hand and arm in the aperture he had made and felt about the interior of the box.
 Then something moved quickly within, and the man started back with 8 cry of pain and alarm, and pulled out his arm with such force as to throw down the box. He drew forth with it the massasauga fastened to his hand, which he wrung in pain and terror. The snake dropped writhing on the floor, coiled and kept up his rattle which had not stopped. :. Ll 4ha saans,1a