The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1892-09-17
CALL IT SQUARE,"

It is remarkable what stable 70
mances small bits of territory are ca
pable of producing under favorable con-
ditions. Though containing but six or
eight acres, Rattlesnake island forms
the scene of quite a interesting episode
along this line. The island lies about
two miles to the northeast of Put-in-Bay.
From its peculiar formation the island
is generally supposed to have derived its
name, though some assert that the ap-
pellation was bestowed in consequence
of the illimitable quantities of the rattle
tailed species which r~endezvoused in and
among the creviced and governed rocks.
From these Businesses they were wont to
wriggle forth into aggressive promi-
nence, kissing and clicking their spite
and whipping the surrounding vegeta-
ton until everything looked blue.
An able accessory in the dispersion Of
this reptile host was undoubtedly vested
in the Drawn and muscle of old Hank
Hammond, who, with his family, locat-
ed on the island. Old Hank wasn't
afraid Of rattlesnakes. evidently, and
prided himself manifestly upon owning
and occupying with his household gods
a whole island, which, if not very big,
was at least far enough removed from
adjacent isles to afford ample seclusion
So at least he imagined, and so in reali-
tyit might have proven but for the single
obtrusive fact that the old codger was
possessed of several comely daughters,
and since Glove laughs at locksmiths,"
scales heights inaccessible traverses dis
tances im~measurable and achieves i'm
possibilities of all sorts, this blind but
active imp was not long in finding his
way to Rattlesnake island.
Sadie, the oldest, was an attractive
maiden of twenty years, with eyes that
matched the color of sea and sky and
hair a fluff of golden brown. She was
1.-THE and active, free and fearless, and
reveling in adventure, too, on the water
like duck. She was an expert at fish
ing and fowling, could manipulate a pair
of oars with admirable skill, and with a
light skif was accustomed to cross fire.
4uently, sometimes alone, the two mile
stretch of water which interviewed be-
tween Rattlesnake and Putin Bay.
At the latter place she speedily be-
came the attraction of a youthful fish
erman, who inadvertently crossed her
path-one Tom Taylor. After this de-
velopment there was no more peace for
Rattlesnake. From time to time its
vicinity was haunted by a spectral sail
which circled about the island, edging
nearer and nearer at each cruise; until
n day it lay beached close by the
"grout" house of Hank Hammond. AT
beck of the little winged god Tom Tay.
lor and his boat had followed the charm
er to her rocky retreat. This being his
first experience in courtship, however.
Tom proved a bit fresh, and his bashful.
ness was excruciating. His feeble ad.
vances were regarded with apparent dis.
favor, the coy maiden turning a dea!
ear to his opportunities, until in blank
despair he shook the dust Of Rattle
snake from his feet.
One early spring day, some months
following the collapse of Toms love af
fair, q terrific squat, such as sometimes
swoops down upon the islands unan
nounced, struck Put-in-Bay with a force
that wrenched limbs from trees and sen;
the troubled sea- sporting up the rock:
in binding showers. Looking from hel
window an old woman who occupied
cottage On East Point thought she espiet
a small boat far out on the lake driving
eastward before the gale. From a shell
she snatched a pair Of field glasses
through which she took a second obser
walton. Yes, the boat was eyidentl,
drifting at the mercy of the wind ans
current. Not an oar was in motion.
Only a single occupant could be dis
cerned, and that a female. With breath
less haste the old woman rushed alon;
the shore to a little cove, where anon.
the trees stood a fish shanty. Within
an angle of the L-shaped dock severa
boats lay moored, and two fsherme
dressed in yellow oilers and sou'weste1
were coal tarring Irvine over a smokin.
kettle on the shore. One of these ind
viduals proved to be our friend, Tol
Taylor. Tom took the field glasses pro.
fered by the scared old lady. and throug