Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1907-10-03
TIE CAPTURE
or THE RATTLESNAkE
A Story for boys BY "Rex. i"

Say, boys, there is going to be a
big picnic here next Friday-a lot of
city folks--and they offer prize for
the biggest rattlesnake captured, and |
know where | can get one Who will
go with me to catch itr' said Ralph
Bingham to a crowd of his chums one
August afternoon.
"Why, Ralph, you can't catch
rattlesnake without getting bit, said
one of the boys.
"struck, you mean," interjected
another.
'Struck or bit, it don't make any
difference You die and get all swell
ed up and look awful, an
'Botheration, boys, who's going to
get bit2" said Ralph. 81 know where
I can find a rattlesnake least, |
think l can, and if any of you fellows
won't go with me, why guess | can
go with myself. This was said with
an air of utmost unconcern.
All the boys, Will Adams, Tom
Hardness, and Fred Eames, hastily vol
unteered, and at once the quartet set
out in high spirits for the abode of the
rattlesnake.
The scene of the incident is in the
Tennessee mountains where the rattle
snake is dangerous foe and difficult
to contend with. The bows are eager
for adventure as we'll as endowed with
lots of spunk and it was with the ut
most enthusiasm that they followed
their leader eager to catch sight of
the reptile.
Ralph led the way to deserted coal
opening, the approach to which was
interrupted by distractions of stone
and logs, called ''rock bars in the
vernacular of the country. When the
four arrived at the base of the enor-
nous pile of slack coal and slate at the
mouth of the mines, Ralph stopped
and said:
''Boys, / guess you had better stay
here moment and let me go up there
and examine the ground. There is a
pool of water up there and rattlesnakes
seek water, especially in hot times like
this and if there is any around he is
in that water.
SO up he went slipping in the mass
es of soft debris, and his companions
watched him ascend, inspecting the
ground carefully as he went, They
saw him reach the top some fifty feet
high, and then he disappeared as he
went back towards the mouth of the
mine, only to reappear moment la
ter.
"Boys, he's here, he said in q
voice of suppressed excitement, ''comt
on up.
Stealthily and with bated brt ath thu
boys climbed up and stood beside
Ralph, who extending an arm, pointed
out the reptile. He was in littl,
shady nook, surrounded by rocks, ~an(
lying partly coiled in little pool o
water. His diamond marked body jus
matched the golden sand in color, ant
it was difficult matter to distinguish
him from his surroundings. His ugl,
triangular head was in the centre o
his coil, while his rattles were erec
behind him.
We've got him, said the boys al
together, and under the leadership 0
Ralph, they proceeded to make tn
snake captive.
''Will, you and Fred, cut some lon
poles, directed Ralph, "and Tom an
will peel off some hickory bark an
then we will see what we can do wit
the gentleman, but be careful wher
you step, there may be another here.
The poles were hastily cut ami
half suppressed whispers and muc
excitement. Tom looked up in speal
ing to Ralph when he was in knee
ing position trimming pole and wa
half scared to death by wounding hin
self with his own knife, thinking
snake had struck him.
At last preparations were tinishe
and the boys were ready, Ralph MAJ
shalling his troops for the attack.
"'Tom, you and Will get on eitht
side of the gentleman, with two {
your poles and stir him up easy, onl
don't let him get away, and don't g,
too close
The boys took their positions an
prodded the snake gently, which r.
piled back promptly, striking viciousl
at the stick and leaving two drops
yellow poison where his fangs strucl
at the same time singing loudl,
As the snake raised his head, RalT
ATTEMPTED to cast the hickory bar
which he had formed into a loop. ov
his head, but it fell short He the
tied it to the middle of the longe
pole. and attempted to drop the loo
over the reptiles ugly head again, br
his attempt was futile
Fred, take your stick and poke Il
loop over his head" he said, and FRI
promptly did so. Nov. hold his he'
down with your stick and YOU, Tor
/, hold down his tail with your sti'
while / tighten mp.
This was quickly done and trump
autly Ralph raised his captive in 6
air ..ai, &c hurrah, of - c''ug1.