Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-12-02
4 SNAKE STORY.


tWnn Apologies 70 ~beron Auncneusen-
Edward B. Haynond, one Of San Fran
cisco's barristers, has besn Gloss student
Of natural history, and has succeeded in
gathering some very interesting infcrma-
ing regarding the birds OF the air, the
beasts Of the land, the fishes Of the go.
Incidentally, he has been able to collect
few snake statistics, says the Gan Francis-
cisco Cau
~ once knew . case" said Mr.. Hay
mond to some listeners, wherein . snake
displayed not only an unusual amount OF
affection but . great deal Of courage. II
appears that some years ago . profess
sor OF natural history from an eastern un-
iversity was sent to the southern part Of
Yucatan to investigate the snakes Of that
section. might state that he was very
humane man, and frequently displayed il.
zone afternoon while walking over
desert thinking OF little but the time be
would arrive ct camp. he beard . peculiar
sound that seemed to come from under .
pile Of rocks. He made an investigation,
and was rewarded BY the discovery Of .
ma stodon rattlesnake, which be was on
the point Of dispatching % - to put II
out Of misery, a. the rocks bad % fallen
that . portion Of the snakes body vas
and torn. In the matter Of TAX
ing the reptiles life be hesitatsd, owing
to the pathetic and pleading sxprsssion
in the wounded creatures eyes. II quite
him, 20 he rolled the rocks on
and awaited results in the shape Of very
gratitude.
1.-THE delighted and thankful creature
wriggIed over to him and rubbed his leg
with grateful air that was bound 10 last.
The professor was moved BY this exhibit
ton, and, having some cotton in his
valise, he bound up the wounded part and
left the snake q comfortable - could be.
The next day he left Yucatan for Gaute-
mala and was gone over ave years.
.On his return to Yucatan be again bad
occasion to pass over the desert, and
greatly to his surprise, encountered the
same reptile few miles from where the
previous incident occurred. The reccgni-
ton was mutual, and the joyful RATHER
cooled about his leg, licked his hand with
. friendly tongue, and showed marked
and industrious appreciation. When the
professor took up his march again the
snake followed him and even insisted up
on getting into the wagon and becoming
regular occupant"
''l1ook here, Edward, amt you going .
little too far with that yarn!" inquired .
friend.
SHOT Is far Is the snake is going. To
continue, be finally got back east and had
for travelling companion the snake,
which was allowed TO wander at will. As
q natural consequence the professor and
his dumb companion became the best Of
chums, and II was common thing TO see
the naturalist walking out in the road
with the snake gliding along beside him
"Well-now here comes the real point OF
the story one night after the professor
had retired and left the snake down stairs
in the dining-room, he was suddenly
awakened by the crash OF glass followed
by the falling Of heavy body. He rose
up in lis bed only to hear q groan and the
Of bones. In q fash he bounded
into his dressing gown and repaired TO the
room whence came the sounds of strife.
''Imagine his horror on striking light
TO zee his pet snake cooled around . mans
bleeding body, which il had dashed to the
stove and was hugging violently. On the
floor was burglars dark lantern and kit
Of tools, while the snake, showing great
presence Of mind, had his tail out of the
window
''What fort" inquired . listener, in
excitement.
"why, rattling for . policeman, Of