Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1911-08-18

THE wHIRRISG DEFIANCE OF A RATTLE
SNAKE
Felton," whimpered the little voice.
Dis is der bulliest time l ever had,
even if am scarf
Il think you're brave boy. Ches.
Now go to sleep"
4 small hand reached timidly around
until it found the mans and gave 1t
IN affectionate squeeze Good night.
sir" said ChcS.
Jim lay awake, thinking dreamily,
long after the boys regular breathing
showed that he was at peace again.
The man felt tenderness for the waif
SO abruptly put in his care that only
lonely man can feel. He specialized
nbout the boys future; he wondered
what kind Of man he would make.
Surely, with a foundation Of such
courage. the better part could be
brought out.
Then he wondered what Anne would
say to the adoption, or, rather. what
advice she would give, for he felt en-
tirely sure of her broad humanity out
side of their one difference. He felt
the need Of her practical sense. Soon
he had drifted into thinking Of Anne
cntirely-not bitterly now, but with a
steady longing. The gray light Of the
waning moon sitting through the
boughs was the true lumina for rev.
erie. Why had he not answered her
letter? Perhaps by this time
h,k In, hi &c
He had noticed n sort OF something
before He threw up his right hand
in threatening gesture to brighten
the intruder away.
Instantly he got his answer. and an
Icy wind seemed to ruff his hair-that
insistent, dry. shrilling sound that will
make mans blood turn cold If any
thing will, the whirring defiance of a
rattlesnake.
Jim thought quick and hard. with
chills and fever coursing over him ad
libitum. lie did not want to waken
md frightcn the boy. He managed to
slip his arm ont without disturbing
the sleeper But now! There wasn't
club around except the short sticks
Of the fire. 4 two foot stick is not
the proper equipment for RATHER hunt
ing except to those horn with nerves
80 strong that they do not hesitate Il
catch Mr.. Crotalus by the tail ant
snap his head off.
Jim thought of the rope he had use(
for cinch and made for it with hi
bn 10 lot chnyylf
approach closer to the boy.
With Il deep thankfulness for tn,
heft of the rlVe lie returned an(
struck with all the strength Of his bi:
body and pounded away in II sort o
cray rage. although the first strok'
had done the business.
lie snapped the sweat from hi
brow as he looked down at the Still
writing reptile.
Ny God. What might have hap
rencd If the boy hadn't walked meY
he thought. The superstition Of tn
miner rose In him rampant Il believ'
that kids going to bring me gOOt
luck" he said. "Darned il ] don't
Well, could stand some"
He took up the body of the rattle
on stick and heaved it far away
then lit his pipe.
Il don't think l care for any NOR
sleep tonight" he laughed. "Lik'
Ches. it amt that anything will bur
me out here, but I'm everlastingly
scared"
He watched the night out, revelin,
in his enjoyment Of the mystery o
the coming morning. that phase of tn
day which never ceases to be unrea
and which calls out OF the watche
sentiments and emotions he is stran
ger % for the rest Of the day.
The sun hung on the sharp point o
Old Dog Tooth like a portent before
lie woke the boy.
Ches was Ill amazemcnt for n see
ond; then he gave a glad cry
Gee. Yer still here, amt yer? NJ
pipe in dis" He looked all AROUND
him. Say. dis Is a regular teeayte
IF or place, amt III" he remarked
obs Is der scene where der vilun al
most gifts der gent wild der sword i
der stage mannechcr didn't send sum
TN ter help i'm ont"
Jim laughed at the sophisticated in
FAINT. You don't believe ia the thea
ter much. then. Chess
"Agch,' replied Chcs. II It ain
seven It's 'leven on der stage. but It.
mostly craps IN der street"
We'll. son. there are such points OF
rot.
have something to cat and Wen fee
better"
Ches rustled around after sticks II
Ills funny, angularly active style, sing
a." Il song the while from the glad
ness of lis heart. 1t was merry
son- about mother slowly going dowr
TIE hectic path OF phthisis pulmonalis
ard r!~;c-. who has. one IS led to be
lcYe, taken t. small bottles, small